Published 22:39 IST, October 20th 2019
Andy Murray defeats Stan Wawrinka to continue fairy tale return
Andy Murray defeated Stan Wawrinka to register his second singles win after returning from a career-threatening hip surgery. He beat the Swiss 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The remarkable Andy Murray story continued as he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the European Open to make a great return to professional tennis. He defeated the Swiss 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted for two hours and 27 minutes. This is Murray's second singles win since his comeback from retirement.
Comeback in professional tennis
Murray lost the first set, but he did not lose hope and continued to fight his way back into the match against world number 18. Upon lifting the trophy, Murray, in the post-match presentation ceremony said, "It means a lot. The past few years have been extremely difficult. Both me and Stan have had a lot of injury problems in the past couple of years. Amazing to be back playing against him in a final like that. I think it was a great match. I didn't expect to be in this position at all, so I'm very happy. I want to thank my team and my family for all of their support for most of my career but the last two years. It's been extremely difficult, we've been through some very tough times together but we got through it and obviously. I don't think anyone of us expected this so thank you very much I can't wait to see my family tomorrow."
Return after career-threatening hip surgery
Murray announced his retirement in January after suffering unbearable pain in his right knee. In a press conference in January, he said that the pain in his right hip had made him consider retiring from the sport. At the time Murray had said that he had planned to retire around mid-year post the Wimbledon but the pain was just too much to handle. The Olympic Gold medalist had a successful hip surgery in the summer and then made a gradual return to the sport. He first played in the doubles - mixed and men's categories and then started playing singles tennis. He played the China Open and the Shanghai Masters where although he did not win, he put in promising performances.
Murray will be hoping to continue his fairytale by playing in the Grand slams once again. He is expected to play in the Australian Open, but hasn't made any announcement yet.
Updated 23:27 IST, October 20th 2019