Skip to content

Andy Murray beats Andrey Kuznetsov to make French Open second round

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 30:  Andy Murray of Great Britain hits a backhand during the first round match against Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia on day three of the 2
Image: Andy Murray battled back from losing the second set to win in four sets against Andrey Kuznetsov

Andy Murray moved into the second round of the French Open with a four-set victory over Andrey Kuznetsov at Roland Garros.

The world No 1 proved too strong for his Russian opponent coming through 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-0 in just over two and a half hours on court Philippe Chatrier.

Murray has had a difficult season on the clay but secured victory to book a second-round meeting with Slovakia's Martin Klizan, who overcame France's Laurent Lokoli in five sets.

Murray fell 0-40 down in his first service game but recovered to hold before breaking the Russian's serve when 3-2 up.

Murray v Kuznetsov LIVE!
Murray v Kuznetsov LIVE!

Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund look to book their place in the second round of the French Open after Johanna Konta is beaten.

The three-time major winner lost his serve at 5-3 but broke back immediately before holding firm to secure the first set 6-4.

However, he lost his rhythm at the start of the second during an exchange of service breaks. At stages, Murray was seen muttering to himself and sarcastically applauding his players' box where coaches Jamie Delgado and Ivan Lendl were seated.

Murray was broken in the first game of the second set but broke back immediately only to lose his serve at 2-2 and Kuznetsov, ranked 73, held firm to take the second set 6-4.

Also See:

Murray, the two-time Wimbledon champion, broke Kuznetsov's first and last service game of third set to take it 6-2.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 30:  Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia hits a backhand during the first round match against Andy Murray of Great Britain on day three of the 2
Image: Andrey Kuznetsov won the Wimbledon Boys' Singles title in 2009

The British No 1 broke Kuznetsov three times in the fourth set to complete the victory in comprehensive fashion.

Murray made five fewer winners compared to his opponent but kept his unforced errors down to 24 in comparison with Kuznetsov's 45.

Britain's Andy Murray's coaches Jamie Delgado of Britain (L) and Ivan Lendl of the Czech Republic watch his match against Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov at the
Image: Jamie Delgado (L) and Ivan Lendl watched Murray's performance

The Scot was broken four times and staved off a further three break point opportunities throughout the match.

"He goes for his shots, plays very aggressive, hits the ball pretty flat so he takes your time away," Murray said on-court after progressing to the next round.

"It was quite windy today. I started to feel a little bit better as the match went on but I expected a tough match because he's played well during the clay-court season."

VOTE: French Open men's winner
VOTE: French Open men's winner

Who will win the 2017 French Open men's title? Vote now

For those on the move, we will have the French Open from Roland Garros covered via our website skysports.com/tennis, our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation. Can Andy Murray win the French Open? Have your say...

Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports for an unmissable summer of sport. Upgrade now!

Around Sky