Andy Murray in the quarter-final of the 2022 Boss Open in Stuttgart, Germany
Andy Murray in the quarter-final of the 2022 Boss Open in Stuttgart, Germany | (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Stuttgart 2022 | Murray earns biggest win for six years over Tsitsipas, faces Kyrgios in semis

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Andy Murray def Stefanos Tsitsipas [1] 7-6(4) 6-3
  • Murray v Nick Kyrgios | H2H: Murray leads 5-1
STUTTGART, GERMANY – Andy Murray earned his biggest win for six years as he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the semi-finals in Stuttgart where he will face Nick Kyrgios.

 

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Andy Murray def Stefanos Tsitsipas [1] 7-6(4) 6-3

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Andy Murray earned his biggest win by ranking for six years after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach the semi-finals in Stuttgart. Both players displayed confident serving with Murray looking to neutralise Tsitsipas’ power with angles and drop-shots. While the Greek looked to set up simple patterns of play and keep the rallies short as he looked to force Murray into unforced errors in pressure situations.

It was Murray who created the first break point of the match as he produced some aggressive returns to put the pressure on the top seed. However Tsitsipas saved it with aggressive play in big moments as he held for a 4-3 lead. It was then Murray’s turn to produce big points in big moments as he fended off late pressure from Tsitsipas.

After edging to a service hold for 5-5, Murray produced a ridiculous defensive backhand at set point down to save the set and force an opening set tiebreak as neither player produced the final piece of the puzzle to break serve. In the end it was the former world number one who was the more aggressive and smarter with his point construction as he took the tiebreak 7-4 and a one set lead with it.

In the second set Murray continued to show his confidence from all areas of the court as he mixed baseline defensive strength to attacking aggression at the net to cause Tsitsipas problems. Although the Greek continued to serve effectively and efficiently he was ultimately outsmarted by the two-time former Wimbledon champion.

A long exchange on the baseline ended in a Murray backhand pass winner to give the Brit a 4-2 lead and although he couldn’t convert his two match points on return, Murray claimed victory on his third match point and a place in the final four in Stuttgart.

 

Andy Murray v Nick Kyrgios  H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Andy Murray v Nick Kyrgios H2H: Murray leads 5-1
ATP Stuttgart Stuttgart, Germany
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In the semi-finals, Murray will face Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster match with the Australian returning to the four after a three month absence.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

H2H: Andy Murray (WR 68) Nick Kyrgios (WR 78)
Tournament Previous Best N/A Semi-Final (2018)
1st Serve % 59.8 68.1
Service Games Won % 82 94
Break Points Saved % 59.1 79.2
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 54 50
Break Points Converted % 34.7 42.7

Kyrgios has obtained good serving statistics as expected and has also been clinical on break point opportunities which is something Murray will need to be aware of on Saturday.

 

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Playing styles and prediction

After unsurprisingly missing the clay court swing, Kyrgios is now back to tackle his favourite time of the season on his beloved grass courts. The Australian will look to build on an impressive start to the season which saw him test Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells and win the Australian doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis.

This match will be a test of Murray’s returning patience and ability to turn defence into attack as Kyrgios will look to dictate play with his serve. The Australian has done most of the damage with his forehand this week which is something the Brit will need to be aware of when constructing points. This should be an entertaining clash with Murray just about having the edge heading into this clash.

Prediction: Murray in three sets.

 

 

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