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European Open 2019: Andy Murray beats Stan Wawrinka to win first title since hip surgery

It is to note that this was Murray’s first title since 2017 Dubai when he was the World No 1.

European Open 2019: Andy Murray beats Stan Wawrinka to win first title since hip surgery

Winner Britain's Andy Murray (L) and second-placed Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka (R) celebrate with their trophies after competing in their men's single tennis final match of the European Open ATP Antwerp, on October 20, 2019 in Antwerp. (Photo by JOHN THYS / BELGA / AFP)

British tennis star Andy Murray defeated Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in the final match of the 2019 European Open on Sunday. This was Murray’s first title after he underwent hip surgery in January.

In the beginning, the Briton was not up to the mark with his performance and lost the first set 3-6 to the former World No 3 who played aggressive tennis from the baseline keeping Murray at the bay.

During the clash, 32-year-old Murray appeared to be running out of steam but soon his trademark resilience came to the fore and he weathered the storm to come back to win the title.

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It is to note that this was Murray’s first title since 2017 Dubai when he was the World No 1.

In the first six tournaments — at all levels — of his singles comeback which started in Cincinnati this August, Murray never advanced past the quarter-finals. But World No 243 Murray improved as this ATP 250 event wore on to become the lowest-ranked ATP Tour champion since No 355 Pablo Andujar in Marrakech last year.

“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,” Murray was quoted as saying on ATP Tour’s official website.

Praising his opponent Murray said, “Stan is a brilliant player. He’s won many, many big tournaments. He always plays extremely well in the big matches. We know each other’s games well. We played many tough matches in the past. I expected another one today and that was what I got.”

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