Aix En-Provence: Andy Murray defeated Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday to pass his opening-round test at the lower-level Challenger Aix-en-Provence.
Murray, who is currently ranked number 52 in the world, has yet to win a match on clay this year and has previously said he may think about skipping the French Open at Roland Garros.
Murray was looking for a turnaround in fortunes when he joined the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole after losing to Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori at the Madrid Masters, which matched the worst run of his professional career.
The draw, which paired Murray with former world No. 6 Monfils, whom he previously faced in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in 2014 and defeated in five sets, could have been fairer.
Monfils was also attempting to regain some consistency after falling to 322 in the rankings due to a protracted injury layoff.
The first set was held until Murray broke in the fourth game to take a 3-1 advantage. However, Monfils quickly erased that with a break back after Murray’s return found the back of the net.
Murray applied more pressure to Monfils’ subsequent service game and broke after the Frenchman’s second double fault. He later saved a break-back opportunity to hold for a 5-2 lead.
The 35-year-old Scot won the opening set 6-3 in 44 minutes with a strong serve out to love.
The second set remained on serve until Murray’s long return in the fifth game gave him a 3-2 lead after Monfils had previously saved two break points.
In the seventh game, Monfils was broken once more by Murray, who then held, delivering a backcourt return into the goal.
The Scotsman won in one hour and 22 minutes after earning a first match point opportunity and again holding to love.
The fifth seed in the competition, Murray, will next face Laurent Lokoli in the second round after the Frenchman overcame a deficit to defeat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 3-6 6-4 7-5.
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