As his frustrating results dimmed his hope throughout this season, Andy Murray has repeatedly indicated this year that he is unlikely to extend his career past the summer tournaments. Finally, summer has arrived and Murray returned to Queen’s at the beginning of possibly the final grass-court season of his career with a solid win, producing a strong performance to defeat Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round.
Murray’s victory over Popyrin marks his 1,000th ATP match, a milestone that only four other active players have achieved and an indication of his enduring longevity despite his physical issues. It is also Murray’s first ATP match win since he injured his ankle at the Miami Open in March. Asked how he was feeling physically, Murray noted, with a smile, that he has felt better.
