BOTB Day 3: Murray into semi-finals, NCAA champ Jubb wins opener
By Alex Hyman
Day 3 at the Battle of the Brits saw Andy Murray progress to the semi-final stage with a win over James Ward in the Tim Henman Group. 2019 NCAA Singles Champion Paul Jubb won in his opening match after replacing injured Jay Clarke in the Greg Rusedski Group.
Following up from a brutal loss to Kyle Edmund yesterday, Murray re-grouped superbly to bounce back with a routine win over Ward in the Battle of the Brits Tim Henman Group.
Andy Murray def. James Ward: 6-3 7-5
Ward managed to break the serve of Murray three times, yet the Scot on all three occasions broke straight back preventing Ward from ever getting a real foothold in the match.
The result means that Murray and Edmund are the two that book their place in the semi-finals from the Tim Henman Group.
Murray will get a well-earned day off on Friday. Based on his look of complete tiredness in his post-match interview, the rest will be vital for Murray to give himself a chance on making the final at the Battle of the Brits.
In his own words, Murray told the commentators mid-match that he was “very tired out here”.
Paul Jubb def. Ryan Peniston: 6-2 6-7(4) 10-6
A big name in college tennis, Paul Jubb is known for winning the NCAA Singles Championship in 2019. After Jay Clarke pulled out of the Battle of the Brits due to a knee injury sustained in his match against Dan Evans earlier in the week, Jubb confidently took up the opportunity to play.
Jubb started the match with such flair and looseness in his game. Jubb looked to be the sharper of the two as he raced to a 6-2 lead.
After 1 hour and 15 minutes, a first lapse of concentration by Jubb was taken full advantage of by Memphis Tigers alumni Peniston.
A deciding match tiebreak was played, with Jubb finding his form from the first set to take it 10-6.
Dan Evans def. Cameron Norrie: 6-3 6-3
Yet another very dominant display from the British No.1. Evans. A win like this for Evans proves his much-improved level of fitness and potential to be a top 20 player in the world.
Norrie will look to secure his semi-final birth with a win over Paul Jubb tomorrow. The winner of that contest will progress through as a qualifier from the Greg Rusedski Group.
More. Battle of the Brits: Day 2 recap. light
Doubles play from Day 3
Joe Salisbury/Jonny O’Mara def. Kyle Edmund/James Ward: 6-2 5-7 10-5
Joe Salisbury and Jonny O’Mara progressed to the semi-finals as Cathie Sabin Group winners after their defeat over the Edmund and Ward partnership.
This match came down to doubles experience in the end. Edmund and Ward simply have not had the same doubles match experience as “Team All Out”.
Jamie Murray/Neal Skupski def. Dan Evans/Lloyd Glasspool: 6-4 3-6 10-7
Murray and Skupski gather their first win of the week over “Team Peaky Blinders”. Some clutch volleying from “Team Soul” in the deciding set tiebreak saw them over the finish line.
Final thoughts for Day 4
Murray certainly looked weary out on court today, but the good sign was that during the points his movement was the best it has been so far in the Battle of the Brits event. It is a recurring prediction, but if Murray can recover well enough for Saturday, he is definitely in contention for the title.
Arguably the tournament favourite, Evans continues to live up to this label after such a dominant display over world number 77 Norrie.
“Team All Out” are looking good going into the semi-finals of the doubles. The Paul Hutchins Group finished agonisingly close as all pairs were equal with one match won and one match lost.
Next. Credit One Bank Invitational: Mattek Sands commanding in Day 2 win. dark
Be sure to check back in tomorrow after the conclusion of day 4 here on Lob and Smash to find out the semi-final line up for the Battle of the Brits.