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“I think that in some ways it’s one of the best wins that I’ve had,” Andy Murray said in Zhuhai after his grueling three-set victory over Tennys Sandgren, his first tour-level singles win since January. “You don’t necessarily appreciate what it’s like to be healthy at the beginning of your career."

Luckily for Murray, he benefits from an extra day's rest ahead of his encounter with one of the fittest players on tour in Alex de Minaur. The two were set to play in the quarterfinals of the 2018 Citi Open, but Murray was forced to withdraw due to his nagging hip injury. The next 14 months weren’t pleasant for the three-time Grand Slam champion, but he is finally playing pain free, welcome news for both Murray and the tennis community.

"Now I'm tired and fatigued and like muscles and stuff are tired from playing the match, but in terms of how my hip feels, like that feels really good. So that's very positive and I'm satisfied with that," Murray added Tuesday.

TC Plus Match of the Day: Andy Murray vs. Alex De Minaur, Zhuhai

TC Plus Match of the Day: Andy Murray vs. Alex De Minaur, Zhuhai

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"Demon" is a heavy favorite according to the oddsmakers. Perhaps they believe the Aussie will simply outlast Murray, who is still working back to reach his full strength. While De Minaur may prove to be an overpowering physical challenge for the 32-year-old at this stage in his comeback, it’s foolish to think Murray won’t stand a chance. Murray is still one of the game’s great tacticians, and will likely have a few tricks up his sleeve for the 20-year-old.

This is a great opportunity for De Minaur to notch a victory over the former world No. 1, but at such a young age, his level varies from day to day. De Minaur was brilliant in Atlanta in winning the title without dropping a set. But then he lost in the first round of Washington, D.C. and Montreal, to Peter Gojowczyk and Dan Evans, before knocking out Kei Nishikori en route to the second week of a major for the first time at the US Open.

De Minaur will likely come out on top, but don’t expect a straightforward victory.

TC Plus Match of the Day: Andy Murray vs. Alex De Minaur, Zhuhai

TC Plus Match of the Day: Andy Murray vs. Alex De Minaur, Zhuhai