By a Newsnet reporter
Scot Andy Murray has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon after a dramatic late night win against Marcos Baghdatis.
The encounter ended under a closed roof at just after 11pm when Murray eventually wore down the Cypriot, breaking him twice in a thrilling final set, winning the match 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Baghdatis proved a worthy opponent, and the match saw momentum swing one way then the other before Murray’s class told.
Murray took a very nervy first set 7-5 breaking Baghdatis late on. However the second set saw the Cypriot regain the initiative with a break of his own taking the set 6-3.
The third was played under a closed roof as darkness loomed. The set swayed back and forth with first Murray losing his serve before breaking back twice to take it 7-5 and establish a 2 sets to 1 lead.
With less than 30 minutes of regulation time left to play – rules state that 11pm is the cut-off – it looked as though both men would have to come back on Sunday to complete the match.
However, Murray’s fitness told and he rushed into a five game to one lead – taking his fifth game seconds before 11pm with a second break of his opponent’s serve.
The timely break allowed the Scot the opportunity to serve for the match, which he duly did in style to rapturous applause. It was a relieved Murray who took ovations from the watching crowd.
The match was enthralling and Murray will now look to capitalise on the win and at least match his previous Wimbledon best of a semi-final spot. However it will also be remembered for bizarre episodes when the spare tennis ball, serving players routinely keep in their pocket, continually worked its way out of Murray’s pocket during rallies – once causing a let, and another losing Murray the point.
Murray now moves into the second week at Wimbledon and after the demise of rival Rafa Nadal, who was in Murray’s half of the draw, there is certainty that this year’s final will be contested by at least one player who has never before appeared in a Wimbledon final – Murray must surely be favourite to take that place.
