Andy Murray reaches semi-finals of the ATP Biella Challenger Tour event

Top seed Murray beat Slovenia’s Blaz Rola 6-4 7-6 (9)

Sports Staff
Friday 12 February 2021 14:49 EST
Comments
Andy Murray in action during the ATP Challenger tournament in Biella
Andy Murray in action during the ATP Challenger tournament in Biella (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Andy Murray reached the semi-finals of the ATP Biella Challenger Tour event with a straight sets win over Slovenia's Blaz Rola.

Top seed Murray beat Rola 6-4 7-6 (9) to reach the last four in northern Italy after missing out on the Australian Open.

The Scot was not allowed to travel to Melbourne after testing positive for Covid-19 and was then unable to find a "workable quarantine" to play at the grand slam after recovering.

Murray's only previous meeting with the 30-year-old Rola came in the second round at Wimbledon in 2014 when he was the defending champion.

On that occasion Murray only dropped two games, but he was made to work harder this time as Rola broke straight back after losing his opening serve.

The first set then went with serve until Murray broke for a 5-4 lead and then served out successfully.

Murray broke Rola again to take a 3-2 lead in the second set and served for the match at 5-4. But Rola hit back and forced a thrilling tie-break, which Murray eventually won 11-9 to seal his place in the last four.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in