Murray can't finish job
Murray can't finish job
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Thursday, 29, Jun 2006 08:58
Julien Benneteau held on to win the last set against Andy Murray to ensure that the second round match resumes in the morning at 2-1 to the Scot.
The British number two and world number 44 playing in his second ever Wimbledon was too powerful for Benneteau, but he could not finish the job as the light faded and play was postponed.
Benneteau is only ranked number 55 in the world and has never gone beyond the second round at Wimbledon, but he is in the form of his life after reaching the quarter final of the French Open this year.
The first set went to a tie-break as both players were stuttering and struggling to find their form on Centre Court.
Both players managed a single break of serve but it was not until the tie-break that the tennis reached the top level.
Murray won a series of excellent rallies to snatch the first set and ease the tension in the crowd.
The second set saw Murray stumble again, he slipped appearing to injure his ankle as Benneteau looked to fight back and went a break up.
After running off the pain in his ankle Murray began to play some sensational shots, ripping several powerful forehand winners.
The Frenchman could not cope with the aggression of Murray's game as the youngster won five straight games on his way to a 6-4 win in the second.
The young Scot then won the first two games in the third set as he looked to wrap up a victory as quickly as possible.
Benneteau then held serve and took Murray to 15-40 but the teenager powered back to take the game and keep his break up.
Murray did falter after looking to have won the match and allowed Benneteau to break back to make it 4-4. He broke again to take the third set 6-4 and force the match to resume tomorrow.