INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (Reuters) – Andy Murray overcame a gradual begin and a 3rd set service break to beat Taro Daniel 1-6 6-2 6-4 within the first spherical of Indian Wells on Friday to notch his 700th career win.
With the victory, the Briton turned the 18th participant of the Open period to realize the feat on the ATP Tour.
“This was a goal that I set for myself on the again finish of final 12 months,” Murray mentioned in an on-court interview.
“It’s a variety of wins clearly, and I’m very glad to get it right here.
“Let’s go for 800 now.”
It appeared Murray must wait to succeed in the milestone after Daniel got here out sharp, attacking Murray’s serve and cruising by the primary set on a sunny day within the Southern California desert.
Murray, who’s three years faraway from main hip surgical procedure, didn’t transfer effectively early on however sprang to life within the second, breaking Daniel at love when the Japanese participant despatched a forehand large on set level to stage the match at a set every.
Daniel received eight straight factors to open the third and take a 2-0 lead with assist from some sloppy play by the three-time Grand Slam champion.
But Murray wouldn’t give in, breaking again with a forehand winner for 3-3 and pumping his fist to the delight of the supportive crowd at Stadium One Court.
Nerves appeared to get to Daniel within the ultimate sport, the place he dedicated three straight unforced errors to provide Murray three match factors, and the 34-year-old transformed his third alternative to seal the win.
“I bought off to a little bit of a gradual begin,” Murray mentioned.
“I’m previous now so with these 11 a.m. begins, it takes me a little bit of time to get going.
“But Taro performed extraordinarily effectively. I misplaced to him in Australia so I used to be anticipating a tricky match,” Murray mentioned of Daniel, who beat the Briton in straight units in Melbourne in January.
Tournament wild card Murray will look to notch his 701th win when he faces Alexander Bublik within the second spherical of the Masters 1000 match on Saturday.
(Editing by Christian Radnedge)
