Metz (AFP)

Led a set to zero by the French Ugo Humbert (26th worldwide), Andy Murray (113th) used his experience to win in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-2) and 2:23 in the first round of the Moselle Open, Tuesday in Metz.

The start to the first set was extremely tight and high, with neither player willing to give in.

The 23-year-old Habs then raised the tone to make the break at 5-4.

He then kept his advantage despite two break points to take the first set off his third set point after 53 minutes of play.

The second set was just as hotly contested and Murray, former world No. 1 and finalist in the Moselle tournament in 2007, made the difference at the end even if he sometimes seemed close to retirement.

The 34-year-old Scotsman then continued at the same pace in the decisive set, leading quickly 4-0.

The reaction of the Lorrain was only timid and Murray finally concluded with an 18th ace on his first match point, despite the many possibilities of breaking the N.2 French, winner of the tournament on grass in Halle this season.

"I haven't played my best tennis but beating a player ranked 26th in the world gives you confidence. Winning is what matters. (...) Obviously if I can play well it's better, but I'm not interested in playing well and losing, "Murray said after the match.

At the US Open, the Scotsman had delivered in the first round a superb battle and had shaken the world N.3, Stefanos Tsitsipas, finally winner in five sets.

He then quipped about the breaks taken by the Greek to go to the bathroom.

Britain's Andy Murray at the US Open Flushing Meadows, August 30, 2021 ANGELA WEISS AFP / Archives

But last week, Murray lost in the second round of the Rennes Challenger against the 158th player in the world, Russian Roman Safiullin.

"I often missed my chance in my last matches. I know I haven't played at my best lately, but my body is fine," said the man who suffered from recurring hip problems for a long time. .

On Wednesday at the Arènes de Metz, Murray will face Canadian Vasek Pospisil (66th), defender of Frenchman Grégoire Barrère, for a place in the quarterfinals.

© 2021 AFP