Andy Murray avoids upset, beats Radek Stepanek at French Open
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In what was nearly a shocking first–round upset, No. 2 Andy Murray roared back to secure a victory over unseeded Radek Stepanek in five sets at the French Open on Tuesday.
Murray prevailed 3–6, 3–6, 6–0, 6–3, 7–5 in the two-day match against 37-year-old Stepaneck, who is ranked No. 30 on the ATP tour.
On Monday, Murray fell behind two sets to love before winning the third set 6–0. Murray held a 4–2 lead in the fourth set before play was called due to darkness.
On Tuesday, he continued his comeback, winning the fourth set 6–3 and the fifth 7–5.
• WATCH: Stepanek licks contact lens during match with Murray
Murray has reached at least the quarterfinal stage in 10 of his last 11 majors, and is widely expected to be one of No. 1 Novak Djokovic's most formidable challengers at Roland Garros, particularly after he beat the Serb in the Rome final earlier this month.
He will play Mathias Bourgue in the second round.
- Stanley Kay
