Andy Murray stuns US Open semi-finalist Berrettini in Beijing

Dom Farrell

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Andy Murray stuns US Open semi-finalist Berrettini in Beijing image

Andy Murray claimed the best singles win since his comeback from hip surgery by seeing off Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the China Open.

Murray beat world number 13 and US Open semi-finalist Berrettini in straight sets 7-6 (2) 7-6 (7) over the course of two hours and three minutes in Beijing.

Berrettini, who is eighth in the ATP's Race to London standings, broke Murray and served for the first set at 5-3, only for the three-time grand slam winner's customary fighting spirit to kick in and force a tiebreak.

The 32-year-old was dominant in the initial breaker, allowing his Italian opponent only two points.

The pair exchanged breaks early in the second, which also went the distance.

Murray dug in to save two set points before prevailing 9-7, setting up an all-British clash against Cameron Norrie.

"It was tough. At the end I was just trying to fight and play as offensively as possible," Murray said post-match

"It cost me on a few points but helped me out a bit at the end and I got over the line with a good passing shot at the end."

Dom Farrell

Dom Farrell Photo

Dom is the senior content producer for Sporting News UK. He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc. Prior to that, he built more than a decade of experience in the sports journalism industry, primarily for the Stats Perform and Press Association news agencies. Dom has covered major football events on location, including the entirety of Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Paris and St Petersburg respectively, along with numerous high-profile Premier League, Champions League and England international matches. Cricket and boxing are his other major sporting passions and he has covered the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko live from ringside.