Aix-en-Provence: In order to advance to the quarterfinals of the ATP Challenger 175 tournament in Aix-en-Provence, Andy Murray upset Frenchman Laurent Lokoli in a third-set decider. The former world No. 1 is stepping up his preparations for the French Open, which begins on Sunday, May 28.
At the ATP Challenger Tour 175 event in Aix-en-Provence, Andy Murray defeated Laurent Lokoli in three sets despite the Frenchman having saved five match points.
Murray prevailed 6-4 5-7 6-3 in a marathon match that lasted two hours, and 42 minutes at the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole.
The three-time major champion, who is 35 years old and rated 52 in the world—135, higher than Lokoli—won a close first set on French clay.
When the fifth seed broke service to take a 5-2 lead in the second set, it appeared as though he would win easily.
But Lokoli, who was energetic and raised his arms in the air to energise the home crowd, fought back to make it 5-4 as Murray failed to convert two match points.
In the following match, Lokoli’s drop shots proved to be a potent tool against Murray, who had another two match points that he was unable to convert.
Murray quickly lost the second set, failing to snap his five-game losing streak. Lokoli quickly won it.
In the decisive set, both players displayed strong serving until Murray exerted pressure and converted a third break point to take the lead 5-3.
Lokoli saved a fifth match point by hitting a beautiful forehand winner, but Murray eventually won, much to his obvious relief.
Since Indian Wells in March, it had been the first time he had won back-to-back matches.
Luca Van Assche will be Murray’s opponent in the quarterfinals on Friday after Murray defeated Gael Monfils in the opening round.
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