WHAT HAPPENED: Stefanos Tsitsipas outlasted a fit and firing Andy Murray in Round 1, twice coming from behind to advance in five sets, 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, on Day 1 of the 2021 US Open.
Murray was sharp in the opening set, and had two set points for a two-set lead, but Tsitsipas stole a 9-7 tiebreak to level. The 2012 US Open champ edged ahead again behind an early break in the third set, but Tsitsipas responded by building a 5-0 lead on his way to winning the fourth.
With the crowd firmly behind Murray, the Greek cut through the noise to break serve again early in the fifth. Murray was roared on as he created trouble on consecutive return games, including one break point and two deuce games. Each time, Tsitsipas held firm.
Murray stayed within touching distance, but Tsitsipas once again rose to the occasion late by serving out the match to love.
Looking back, Murray will rue his missed opportunity in the second-set tiebreak. The second stanza proved to be the only one which was up for grabs for either man, and when Murray flighted a vintage topspin lob to take a 5-3 lead in the breaker, he had one hand on the prize. Murray's first set point was on serve, and it ended in frustration after a netted backhand ended a 12-ball rally.
Tsitsipas saved the second with a backpedaling overhead and stole the set by winning five of the last six points, including an untimely double fault from Murray at 7-all.
WHAT IT MEANS: Murray’s inspired performance was a welcome sight following his recent injury woes, and the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd let him know at every opportunity. He said before the Open that he hoped the level of his tennis would match that of his fitness, and on Monday, it certainly did.
It will be little consolation though, as he had a real chance for the upset. Given Tsitsipas’ struggles in New York to date, he could have been forgiven for letting some doubts enter his mind.
“It’s not easy,” Tsitsipas said of the comeback victory. “Lots of sacrifices I had to make on the court to get back.”
One thing that was easy for the world No. 3—at least for stretches—was serving. He won 21 straight service points, spanning from late in set one to late in set two. Still, he faced at least one break point in each set, saving seven of 11 for the match. Murray was equally stingy on break points, saving seven of the 10 he faced.
While the crowd was pulling for Murray, Tsitsipas was quick to credit their involvement after the match.
“I think the atmosphere was great today,” he said. “The New York crowd is one of the best crowds in the world.”
MATCH POINT: Tsitsipas served Murray his first opening-round loss in 15 US Open appearances. Murray’s 15 New York showings are his most of any Grand Slam.
