Murray cruises to win over Peya

Andy Murray levelled the Davis Cup tie at 1-1 with an easy win

Tweet

Print Share

 

Also In The News

Everton held at home by Liege
Everton were held 2-2 by Standard Liege in a pulsating match at Goodison Park in the Uefa Cup first round this evening.

• Bent claims winner as Spurs secure first-leg lead
• City and Pompey claim impressive wins
• Van Commenee expected to be named head of UK Athletics

 

Friday, 19, Sep 2008 10:39

A confident Andy Murray eased past Alexander Peya in straight sets to level Great Britain's Davis Cup playoff against Austria at 1-1.

The world number four got off to the perfect start with early breaks in both the first and second sets to gain a clear advantage over his opponent.

And Peya rarely got close to the Scot throughout, eventually succumbing 6-4 6-1 6-3.

Murray failed to hit the heights he did in the US Open, showing only glimpses of the form that saw him finish runner-up at Flushing Meadows.

But in truth he barely needed to stretch himself as, despite coming in with a reputation as a solid serve-volley player, Peya never threatened Murray's dominance.

The first set saw Murray break early on, in the Austrian's first service game, and he never got out of second gear as he coasted through the rest of the set.

The second set again saw the 21-year-old break early and he steadily built up a rhythm, changing the pace of the play and dictating Peya's movements around the court as he secured three breaks for a two-set lead.

In the third, Peya put up more of a fight - helped by his holding serve early on.

But a well-played point from Murray on the Austrian's serve - with the score at 3-2, 40-A - ensured the Scot got the break he wanted.

Forcing him around from the baseline, Murray lobbed up a high ball that forced his advancing opponent off balance.

And when Peya's attempted smash fell short, the Briton moved in to bury a blistering pass down the line for a 4-2 lead.

Peya was not quite out of the match as he stunned the crowd by breaking straight back, as Murray eased up a little too much.

But it was a case of too little, too late for the Austrian as Murray again showed his class by sealing a second consecutive game against the serve before closing out the match in fine style.

The result leaves the playoff tied at 1-1 at the end of the first day, with tomorrow's doubles rubber and Sunday's reverse singles still to play to decide who out of GB and Austria will compete in the World Group in 2009.