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Andy Murray saved five match points before defeating Spaniard Tommy Robredo 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (8) in a gruelling 3 hour 20 minute Valencia final, making it the longest ATP tour match of this year. It was a match that contained high-quality shot-making and incredible drama, but one that ended in heartbreak for local hero Robredo.
What makes it even more strange, however, is that this was the second time in three weeks that Murray had saved five match points against Robredo. The first time was on his way to his Shenzen Open victory in China last month. The circumstances of Murray’s two victories over Robredo could not have been more eerily similar.
After the loss, Robredo had this to show Andy Murray at the net, when they were supposed to shake hands.
You can watch the final rally of the match here:
Of course, it was done in good humour. There seemed to be no malice or ill-will in Robredo’s gesture; he just looked genuinely frustrated by Murray’s never-say-die spirit. The Scot, for his part, took it in the right spirit.
The fans cheered and Murray laughed and both of them embraced each other. With the win, Murray moved on to the fifth place in the ATP Race to London, and boosted his chances to qualify for the World Tour Finals starting in two weeks.
Murray’s mother, Judy Murray, had this to say after Robredo’s reaction.
