• Cincinnati Masters

Murray victorious but not at his best

Andy Murray was taken to three sets by Jeremy Chardy © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Murray aiming to bring down Fish
  
• News: Murray admits he must improve ahead of Gulbis test
  
• News: Murray toils to victory over Gulbis
  
• News: Murray confident he is approaching his peak
  
• News: Murray back to winning ways in Toronto
  
• Profile: Andy Murray

Andy Murray was far from his best but had enough quality to eventually see off France's Jeremy Chardy 6-3 6-7(3) 6-2 at the Cincinnati Masters.

Murray, who won his first title of 2010 with a straight sets victory over Roger Federer at the Rogers Cup on Sunday, was cruising at a set and a break up before some uncharacteristic mistakes, coupled with some divine play from Chardy, ensured the match went the distance.

The Scot regrouped after losing the second set on a tie-break to breeze through the decider and set up a clash with Ernests Gulbis.

After the first five games had gone with serve, Murray pounced to break the Frenchman and stamp his authority on the first set.

At 5-2 down, Chardy did well to keep the set alive, but Murray held to love to take the first set 6-3 - for the loss of just three service points.

The Scot, looking relaxed and in full command, almost forced a break at the start of the second but Chardy held firm. The pressure soon told though as the world No. 4 raised his game on Chardy's serve to go 3-2 in front - sealing the break with a blistering crosscourt backhand pass on the run.

With victory seemingly a formality, an awkward period ensued as Murray lost his way completely. Chardy responded in fine style to break straight back, peppering Murray with some venomous shorts from the baseline and from then on the match took on a different complexion.

A couple of doube faults meant Chardy was broken back immediately but just when you thought Murray would pull away, Chardy refused to buckle and duly completed another break.

A further break apiece followed in an utterly absorbing contest and after Murray, who won the tournament in 2008, wasted chances to take command in the tie-break, Chardy forced a decider.

The British No. 1 pulled himself together to in the third set, breaking twice to finally complete the win.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.