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Andy Murray won the 2019 European Open - his first singles title after career-saving hip surgery.
Britain's Andy Murray displayed all his qualities and fight to beat Frances Tiafoe during a thrilling European Open match in Antwerp.
Murray won two match points, before winning a second. The tense battle lasted three hours and 45 minutes.
34-year-old Scot won the opener after overcoming two sets points and breaking down, before his American opponent.
In the decisive tie-break, momentum fluctuated but Murray won.
He held his service points at 8-7 before securing victory with a backhand droppedshot, which Tiafoe couldn't bat back into the net.
As a sign of mutual respect, they shared a warm hug at each other's net before Murray stopped his post match interview to cheer on his opponent.
Murray will face Diego Schwartzman (Argentine second seed), who was given a bye in the first round.
"It's the first 7-6 6-7 7-6 match I've ever played in my career." Murray said that he doesn't believe he's ever played a match like this. He also stated that he would love to take a day off before the next match.
"It's my longest three-set match by a long distance. Evidently, I am tired.
It was an incredible battle. When I had the chance to win, he kept coming up with great serves and great shots.
"I enjoy playing long matches, but that was taking it up to another level."
After his points for winning the Grand Slam in 2019, the three-time Grand Slam winner has fallen to 172nd in world rankings. This was just nine months after major surgery that left him with a metal hip.
Murray showed again against Tiafoe – a former quarter-finalist at the Australian Open, now ranked 48th – why he believes he can still win more titles on ATP Tour.
Murray expressed his frustration after losing to Alexander Zverev, the German world number 4 in India Wells in round three. He said that he felt his level was either 50 or 60 around the world.
Murray showed that in his victory against Tiafoe. He served particularly well throughout, hitting 21 aces and backing that up with a solid serve second.
