Andy Murray has pulled out an epic three-set win over fellow tour veteran Stan Wawrinka in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters.
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In a 22nd matchup between the multiple grand slam champions trying to put injuries behind them, Murray was a 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 7-5 victor in just under three hours.
Murray, 35, and Wawrinka, 37, both required multiple visits from trainers to treat leg problems during the tournament that serves as a tuneup for the US Open.
"I was hanging on in the third set," Murray said in his on-court interview.
"I was struggling a bit. So was Stan. We're not young any more."
Murray is now 13-9 against his fellow three-time grand slam winner and fought back tears when speaking of his injuries and passion for the game which keeps bringing him back.
"I started playing as a kid because I love it," Murray said.
"And it has taken a lot of effort, a lot of struggles to get back to play at this level again and I want to make the most of it while I'm still able to."
Next up for the Scot is an all-British battle with ninth seed Cameron Norrie, who beat Holger Rune 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 6-4 in a hard-fought battle.
Croatian Marin Cilic's resurgent season continued with a routine 6-3 6-3 win over Jaume Munar and Argentine Diego Schwartzman found his form late to beat Alex Molcan 5-7 6-4 6-2.
Americans John Isner and Marcos Giron, Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori and Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut also advanced to the second round.
With Reuters.
Australian Associated Press