Cincinnati Masters: Andy Murray fights hard to beat Stanislas Wawrinka and sets up clash with Cameron Norrie

Andy Murray has said that he will need to rest after his match against Stanislas Wrinka in Round 1 at the Cincinnati Masters.

Murray won 7-6(3) 5-7 7-5 despite cramps in just two hours 56 minutes. This was his first victory in North American swing prior to the US Open.

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“I started to feel it a little bit in the second and struggled at the beginning of the third,” said Murray after the mach.

“I tried to get as much electrolyte sodium as possible, and saw the physio a little which helped.

“But I struggled with the cramps in Washington against [Mikael]I have had Ymer today and again today, so I need to keep up with that.

“I don’t know if we play tomorrow, I’m hoping there’s a day off. I’ll go and ask for one now if not!”

Both players displayed moments of brilliance and unforced errors during a tight first set.

Wawrinka didn’t face a break point at all until the momentum changed in the tie-break when a double fault from the Swiss player put Murray on the front foot. Murray used this opportunity to win the first set within just under an hour.

The second set was very similar to the first. However, Wawrinka had to take a break after the third game because a physio examined his left calf. Any problems he had didn’t hold him back as the match continued to be a very close affair.

There were no signs of a break, so suddenly there were two consecutive breaks. First Wawrinka broke Murray before the Briton won next game.

Another tie-break was on the horizon, and Wawrinka received two set points at 6-5 with a double fault. He also had a broken string, which he made good of to steal his set.

Wawrinka took that confidence with him to break early on the deciding set. Murray struggled to move at times because he was cram. Surprisingly, the world No. 47 fought back despite cramping and called for physio.

Murray was treated to a second and last massage. This is in accordance with rules that limit cramp treatments to two. Both players continued to hold their serve.

Both players started to feel tired, with the majority of the audience urging Murray to continue.

At 5-5, Murray was awarded a break point and took it.

The final drama came in the form of Murray being penalized for a time violation. He needed four match points to end the thriller in Cincinnati.

Murray is in Norrie’s sights

The Brits have never played each other before, with Murray defeating Norrie at 2019 China Open.

“Cam’s had a brilliant year or last 18 months,” said Murray. He’s been playing top level tennis, very very consistently.

“It will be a big test and a great match for me going into the US Open.”