Tennis-Win against Sinner assures Murray that he can compete on top

(Reuters) Former world leader Andy Murray is convinced he will be able to compete at the top again after defeating Italian Jannik Sinner at the Stockholm Open on Wednesday, winning only the second of the top 10 players in 2021.

The 34-year-old Murray underwent hip surgery in 2018 and 2019. After his injuries, the British player has been unable to revive his old form and consistency, thanks to which he won three major doubles championships.

Murray, who finished 143rd, secured his first win among the top ten players in 14 months when he beat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the Vienna Open last month.

I am convinced that I can play well. I play at the top level and win matches against the best players in the world, Murray told reporters after defeating the top-ranked Sinner, who finished in 10th place, 7-6 (4) 6-3.

Those who lose, I encourage the best players in the world. That argument is over. I can compete at the top level.

Sinner, 20, is one of the most promising young talents in men’s tennis and he got Murray to work hard to win the second round.

It was a very tight match. He hits the ball tremendously from behind the field, so there were a lot of long rallies and runs. But that’s probably my best win this season. I want to continue it now, Murray said.

If I want to get back in the rankings and get good performances in tournaments again, I have to win these matches.

Tommy Paul, 52nd in the US, is Murray’s next opponent, and the victory will allow the British to reach the first tour-level semifinals in two years.

I said in the last few weeks that it will come, he said.

I don’t know if it’s this week or early next year, but I’m going to make an effort and get back into the tournaments again.

(Report: Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; edited by Robert Birsel)