Stat of the Day: Novak Djokovic just tied the fifth-longest singles winning streak in Davis Cup history

The former world No. 1 erased two match points in a final-set tiebreaker, the pair's third of Tuesday, to squeak past the American at the European Open after three hours and 45 minutes.

ByMatt Fitzgerald

Published Oct 20, 2021

TC LIVE: Breaking down Murray vs. Tiafoe

Advertising

When one sees a 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 scoreline in men's tennis these days, a safe assumption is that John Isner or Reilly Opelka are involved.

That wasn’t the case Tuesday in Antwerp. For the record, Isner was home in Dallas as the proud father of newborn baby James ‘Mack’ McKinley and Opelka lost, 6-4, 6-4, to Jenson Brooksby. Rather, that triple tiebreak tussle was the culmination of the longest best-of-three set match on the ATP tour this season presented by Andy Murray and Frances Tiafoe.

Three hours and 45 minutes later, Murray survived a grueling 7-6 (2), 6-7 (7), 7-6 (8) war after saving two match points in the final ‘breaker. For the 34-year-old, he's back in a place dear to his heart—it was in Antwerp two years ago where the former world No. 1 captured his first ATP trophy since having a metal implant inserted in his right hip during a resurfacing procedure.

Whether Murray has anything remaining in the gas tank for his second-round match against No. 2 seed Diego Schwartzman, we’ll soon find out Thursday. But for now, enjoy this set of photos from the instant classic he shared with Tiafoe at the European Open.

We should have known we were in for a treat when Tiafoe ended up in this position during the seventh game of the opening set.

Despite trailing 3-5 and later facing a set point at 5-6, Murray snuck out the first set.

Advertising

Tiafoe took the scenic route once again in set two. Having seen six set points come and go, his seventh proved to be lucky in forcing a decider.

Unable to capitalize on a 4-2 advantage in the final-set tiebreaker, Murray stared down match point at 5-6 and later 7-8 after missing one of his own at 7-6.

Murray ended the encounter by carving a backhand drop shot that Tiafoe's legs couldn't quite get up to in time to keep the rally going. An extended embrace and exchange of words was only fitting.

Advertising

"I don’t mind playing long matches, but that was taking it to another level," Murray would say afterwards.

Two warriors arrived for a battle. Two warriors departed with nothing left on the table.