Two-time Miami Open CHAMPION Andy Murray cruised to a 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over struggling Italian Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday.
Berrettini needed medical attention near the end of the second set after nearly collapsing on court, but he soldiered on.
The Italian recently returned to the tour after an injury-filled 2023, reaching the final of the Challenger event in Phoenix.
He broke Murray’s serve in the first game of the match and was in complete control in the opening set.
However, he weakened significantly in the second set and requested a medical timeout when trailing 5-2 after leaving the court looking dizzy.
The weather in Miami was not too hot or humid and was cooler than usual in last year’s tournament.
Also read: Defeating Murray, Berrettini becomes champion in Stuttgart
The 27-year-old former world number six put up the better fight in the third set, but a solid Murray managed to win the match in two hours and 47 minutes.
Murray, who won the Miami Open in 2009 and 2013, will meet Argentine number 29 Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the next round.
At the WTA event, American Sloane Stephens beat Angelique Kerber 6-2 6-3 in a meeting of two former grand slam champions.
Also read: Medvedev awaits Murray in the Miami Open Advanced Round
Stephens, who was celebrating his 31st birthday, excelled throughout the match against the German who had shown good form at Indian Wells where he reached the fourth round.
Stephens, the 2018 Miami champion, will play Romanian No. 19 Sorana Cirstea in the second round.
Then on Wednesday, Naomi Osaka is scheduled to face Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy. (AFP/Z-3)
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