By Tony Fairbairn
- Andy Murray def Emilio Nava [WC] 5-7 6-3 6-1 6-0
- Murray v Matteo Berrettini | H2H: Berrettini leads 2-1
NEW YORK, USA – Andy Murray overcame a red-hot start from American wildcard Emilio Nava to reach the third round where he will face 13th seed Matteo Berrettini.
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Andy Murray def Emilio Nava [WC] 5-7 6-3 6-1 6-0
Andy Murray is into the third round of the US Open after overcoming a tricky start against American wildcard Emilio Nava. The opening set was a brutal 85 minute encounter with Murray unable to breakthrough the tricky American who played high-risk tennis on the big points. Nava played incredible tennis when his back was against the wall as Murray aimed to play the long game with his consistent rallying from the baseline.
Murray’s elite returning mixed with clever tactical variety saw him create five break points in the opening five games, but to the Brit’s frustrations failed to convert one of them. Nava played some sensational tennis on the big points especially on the backhand side as he continued to create effortless power from the baseline. In the end the American was rewarded for his efforts as he was the first one to break as he took a 5-3 lead.
That advantage wouldn’t last for long as Murray would go back on the attack in the next game, hitting some deep shots. So deep that on his seventh break point of the set, Nava thought one of them had gone long when in fact the Brit nailed the shot on the line to get the break back.
Despite the mini-setback, Nava continued to look the more confident player and after a love hold in the eleventh game the American produced a moment of magic on set point as he nailed an unconventional forehand passing shot to seal the opening set 7-5. There was work for Murray to do as Nava looked physically in great shape and was tactically neutralising Murray’s game.
The American started the second set in similar fashion as he continued to hit winners and take the match to Murray, who was being passive on the big points. Nava saved two break points in the third game and was starting to believe he could win the match. However Murray did what champions do best and that’s find a way to win as slowly he was starting to slow down the American’s momentum.
Murray found the breakthrough in the fifth game with a comfortable break to 15 and now was consistently being more aggressive as well as making Nava work for the points. The American was made to work for every point on serve and eventually Murray found another break in the ninth game to secure the second set 6-3 and level the match at one set all.
After that it was all about Murray as he constructed effective points with Nava not being able to generate the power that he did in the first set and a half. In the end Murray cruised to victory, breaking five time as he managed to see off the American with the loss of one game in the final two sets to reach the third round.
Andy Murray v Matteo Berrettini [13] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Andy Murray v Matteo Berrettini [13] | H2H: Berrettini leads 2-1 |
| US Open 2022 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $188,000 |
| First on Arthur Ashe Stadium (17:00 BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Murray will now face a big test in 13th seed Matteo Berrettini with the Italian winning their most recent meeting in Stuttgart.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Andy Murray (WR 51) | Matteo Berrettini (WR 14) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Champion (2012) | SF (2019) |
| 1st Serve % | 59.9 | 64.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 81 | 89.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 56.9 | 73.9 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 55.6 | 44.3 |
| Break Points Converted % | 39.6 | 36.2 |
Murray will need to improve his serving statistics to have a chance in this match as the Italian is completely dominant when it comes to holding his own serve.
Playing styles and prediction
Berrettini has had a tough season after a wrist injury halted his momentum over the clay court season. After a very good grass court season, COVID prevented his Wimbledon charge and enters the US Open in underwhelming form. However when Berrettini is on form he is a tough player to beat and will be motivated to take advantage of an open draw in New York.
Murray will look to be consistent from the baseline and will look to aggressively attack the Italian’s backhand as well as his movement. Berrettini’s big serve and forehand will dictate most of the rallies as the Brit will look to defend well. This will be a tight match with a place in the second week on the line and the Italian starts as slight favourite but this is by no means an impossible task for Murray.
Prediction: Berrettini in four sets.
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