Murray downs Wawrinka in Cincinnati battle of veterans

Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand during his match against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland during the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on 15 August 2022 in Mason, Ohio –AFP 

CINCINNATI, AFP: Andy Murray won his first hardcourt match of the summer on Monday, defeating Stan Wawrinka 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 7-5 in the opening round of the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Masters.

The 35-year-old Scot was facing his 37-year-old Swiss rival for the 22nd time with both treble Grand Slam champions still coming back to full form after long-term injuries over the past few seasons. Murray lost in the first round at Washington and last week in Montreal while Wawrinka’s last win came on grass two months ago at Queen’s Club, London; he has not won on cement since the Australian Open last year.

Murray needed four match points to advance at a tournament he has won twice, in 2008 and 2011. The veteran was competing here for the 17th time.