• Wimbledon

Murray surprised by dramatic late finish

Andy Murray celebrates his victory © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Murray fired up for Cilic showdown
  

Andy Murray admitted he was unsure if he would finish before the 11pm (BST) Wimbledon curfew, but expressed his relief at having progressed to the fourth round in dramatic circumstances on Saturday night.

Murray defeated Marcos Baghdatis 7-5 3-6 7-5 6-1 in three hours and 13 minutes, winning match point two minutes after the Centre Court deadline. Rules state no play after 23:00, and Murray was stunned he was able to wrap up the latest known finish to a Wimbledon match.

"I was under the impression I was stopping at 11 [pm BST] regardless of what the score was - even if it was in the middle of a game," Murray said. "I am obviously glad I managed to get the finish. The atmosphere at the end was excellent.

"When I got up at 4-1 [in the fourth set] I did not sit down. I said to the umpire, 'Are we going to finish?' He said, 'Yes.' I had no idea what the rules were."

Despite requiring assistance from medical staff during his third-round triumph, Murray insists he is in good physical shape ahead of his next clash against Marin Cilic on Monday.

"My knee was a little bit sore," he said. "I took a tumble towards the end of the second set, when my feet went from under with me. When we had the break it was a little bit stiff, but the physio worked on it. It was OK. I was struggling quite a bit with my footing.

"It was tough conditions, I was really struggling. In the first couple of sets I was creating a lot of chances but I wasn't feeling comfortable.

"It was a tricky first week, I had a tough draw. They're going to get tougher. I'm going to have play better."

The draw has arguably opened up for Murray following the shock early exit of two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal. However, the Brit refused to become too excited by the prospect of a potentially easier passage to the final.

"As a player you're conscious of what's going on in the draw but the draw didn't open up for me. If I get to the semis it will help but today was very close. I still have difficult matches to go.

"It's silly for me to think Nadal is out so therefore I am guaranteed a place in the final, but I will keep my head focused on the next match," said Murray.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.