Andy Murray takes big step forward by beating Berrettini in Beijing

Former world No. 1 Andy Murray has waited all season long to win a match against an opponent of Matteo Berrettini’s caliber.

On Tuesday, the three-time major champion took a major step in his comeback, overcoming a break deficit in each set to prevail, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (7), over the 13th-ranked Berrettini in the first round of the China Open in Beijing. It's his strongest singles win since undergoing right hip resurfacing surgery in January and marked his first victory over a Top-20 foe since Murray defeated then No. 11 David Goffin in Shenzhen last season.

The first 17 points went to the server, with Murray firing two aces in the opening game. The Italian was effective in disguising his play early, catching Murray off guard with his drop shot and closing points at the net. He seemed in command on serve, until serving for the set at 5-4—Berrettini’s feel in changing the pace abandoned him for a game, a lull that Murray capitalized on before surging in the tiebreaker.

Getty Images

The fifth-seeded Berrettini broke Murray for 2-0 in the second, but was unable to consolidate. Murray read the court well when picking his moments to move forward and despite a dip in his first serve percentage, saved four break points to hold for 3-3. His comfort at net rescued him in the second tiebreaker, as he saved two set points before reaching the finish line just after passing the two-hour mark.

Just a week ago, the 32-year-old notched his first tour-level singles win when he defeated Tennys Sandgren in Zhuhai. The winner of this ATP 500 event in 2016, Murray will meet countryman Cameron Norrie for the first time in the second round.

Top seed Dominic Thiem also began his tournament in fine fashion, securing his first win in three attempts over Richard Gasquet. Thiem won 47 percent of his return points to advance past the Frenchman, 6-4, 6-1, in 82 minutes.

The world No. 5 is seeking his fourth title of the year, having triumphed at Indian Wells, Barcelona and Kitzbuhel. Thiem most recently appeared in the Laver Cup for Team Europe, splitting his two singles matches. Should the Austrian advance to the final, he will clinch a spot at the year-end ATP Finals in London for the fourth consecutive season.