Andy Murray rallied to prevent a fifth set being played as he defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 [5]6-7 6-3 7-5 in the last 16 of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
© Getty Images
Murray found the contest tough going in the opening stages as he surrendered to a 3-0 deficit, but the Scot rallied to break Dimitrov and serve for the first set at 5-4.
The 27-year-old made sure of a set lead when he produced a crucial ace at 40-15 that flew past the Bulgarian, who had no answer.
Murray continued some fine play with the second set underway as he broke Dimitrov again to take a 2-1 lead, this time drilling a firm forehand into his opponent's feet.
Dimitrov soon broke back, however, as the scores were moved to 3-3, but it was not enough as the Scotsman pulled off another breathless game to break and establish his own serve to move into a position to take a two-set lead.
© Getty Images
Murray was a little lacklustre on his serve and it appeared as if Dimitrov would come up with another break of his own, which he did to force a tiebreak for the second set.
The 23-year-old took advantage of his momentum to win the breaker and bring things level at one set each, having produced some powerful tennis from the baseline.
However, Murray produced a turning point in the match when he broke his opponent to make it 5-3 in the third and give himself the opportunity to serve for the set, a feat that the number six-ranked player achieved with relative ease.
Back came Dimitrov, though, and he notched some fine points on the forehand side to move to a 5-2 lead in the fourth, leaving Murray serving to prevent the game going into a nervy decider.
The Scot went one better as he rallied to break Dimitrov and move the scores to 5-4 and his resurgence continued as he brought things level with a telling backhand.
That shot was to prove pivotal as Murray confidently won the next two games, with the final victory coming off his own serve to seal things.
No Data Analysis info
