Andy Murray took just under three hours to advance to the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships after a three-set win over Australian qualifier Christopher O'Connell.
The three-time Grand Slam winner was on the back foot during the opening exchanges but ultimately claimed a 6-7 [4-7] 6-3 7-5 win over O'Connell on Centre Court.
"I enjoyed the result, what went on in the middle was not so easy," said the 2017 champion during his on-court interview. "I was very frustrated and couldn't quite find my game.
"I managed to serve a little bit better as the match went on which helped me a lot. I just managed to tough it out in the end. Winning matches like that is very satisfying."
A frustrated Murray failed to capitalise on early break points alongside his counterpart, but O'Connell broke in the ninth game before an immediate response from the Brit.
Murray's wild shot in the tie-break handed O'Connell the first set before he was hit with a court violation after smashing his racquet onto the court - actions which did not let up later on.
After breaking in the first game of the second set, Murray found himself at set point at 5-3 and ensured a third set would follow after O'Connell's completely mishit return.
O'Connell then spurned four break points at 4-4 in the third set, and Murray boasted three match points after producing one of the shots of the game following an incredible rally at 6-5.
The Australian saved one but then hit wide to bow out to Murray, who will now meet either Jannik Sinner or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round.
Ben Knapton
