• London 2012 - Tennis

Murray fights back to beat Baghdatis

Andy Murray was pushed hard by Marcos Baghdatis © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Djokovic digs deep to reach quarters; Fed through
  
• News: Sturridge sends Team GB into football quarter-finals
  
• Features: We take our wigs off to you Bradley
  
• Profile: Andy Murray

Andy Murray put his supporters through the wringer before claiming a place in the quarter-finals of the Olympics with a three-set win over Marcos Baghdatis.

Schedule
Results
Medal Table

Murray made a slow, almost static, start as a string of sloppy shots handed Baghdatis the advantage. The Cypriot did not look completely in control, even when Murray was playing poorly, and despite taking the opening set he could not press home his advantage and Murray rallied for a 4-6 6-1 6-4 win.

Baghdatis worked an early break of serve, with Murray looking slovenly from the back of the court. Murray got on the board in the third game and a slack volley with the court at his mercy from Baghdatis handed Murray a break point in the fourth and he broke through, much to the delight of a vociferous Centre Court crowd.

Murray appeared to have momentum with him, but a truly awful service game littered with errors handed Baghdatis a second break to move ahead in the set for the second time.

Baghdatis squandered a couple of set points in the following Murray service game and he looked tight when serving for the set, particularly when netting a weak forehand. But he fell back on his serve and two massive serves, one an ace, secured the opening set for the Cypriot.

Murray had to change the momentum and in the fourth game of the second set he forced a break of serve and backed it up with a strong hold. Edging ahead appeared to free Murray and pumped up, by himself and the crowd, he broke for a second time and promptly held to level the match.

Murray wowed the crowd at the start of the third set with a diving volley and his inspired play appeared to sap the belief out of Baghdatis who leaked mistakes to hand the Brit a break at the start of the third - the first time he had led in the match.

Baghdatis fought valiantly until the end but the sole break proved enough as Murray booked his place in the last eight - where he will meet Nicolas Almagro - courtesy of a whipped forehand winner.

Murray had been expected back on court later for the mixed doubles alongside Laura Robson, but their match against Lucie Hradecka and Radek Stepanek was postponed until Thursday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.