ATP Stockholm: Tommy Paul ends Andy Murray dreams
Tommy Paul (ATP No. 52) has buried Andy Murray's hopes for a tournament victory before the end of the season: The American won the quarterfinals 6: 2, 3: 6 and 6: 3 against the ex-number 1 in the world.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit:
Nov 11, 2021, 08:53 pm
In the end, things happened unexpectedly quickly. Actually, both players hadn't given each other anything for their own serve in the final round, but then Murray first quarreled with the Stockholm audience and accordingly with the referee, then the first serve left him, Paul came to the first breakball of the set at 4: 3 - and Murray made a double fault.
Paul didn't let himself be asked twice - and served up zero to victory. He is in the semifinals of the ATP 250 tournament, where he meets compatriot Frances Tiafoe.
Tommy Paul: "He's a Legend"
Paul started the match better, took the lead early - and after a 15-minute service game from Murray - with a double break; Murray countered once, but then lost his service again. In the second set, Murray then showed his cold face and used his only break chance of the set to 5: 3 and served safely.
Paul's victory, however, was deserved. "I played my best tennis today," he said afterwards. The 24-year-old was hard to touch, especially on his own serve, only allowed two breakballs in total (Murray used them both), but played himself eight of them. In the third round he only lost two points in his own service, with the first serve he had an impeccable record with 13 points gained.
"He's a legend", Paul paid the two-time Wimbledon champion great appreciation. Murray had set an exclamation point on Thursday evening with his victory over the top seeded Jannik Sinner.
"A great result for me," said Paul after the win, thus confirming his good year and has meanwhile become one of the top 60 in the world. And is in his second semi-final of the year tomorrow, after the one in Parma. Opponent: buddy Frances Tiafoe, who had won against Dan Evans with 1: 6, 6: 1, 6: 1. Paul is certain: "That will be fine."
Felix Auger-Aliassime (6: 4, 6: 3 against Botic van de Zandschulp) and the winner of the game between Denis Shapovalov and Arthur Rinderknech will contest the second semi-final.