Andy Murray Comeback Continues • Wins Antwerp ATP Tennis Title • Shapovalov And Rublev Also Lift Trophies

By Ricky Dimon

Andy Murray’s comeback from February hip surgery is taking flight fast–faster than anyone could have anticipated, in fact.In his sixth ATP event since his comeback during the hard-court summer, Murray captured his first ATP title since February of 2017 when he outlasted Stan Wawrinka 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the European Open on Sunday afternoon. The veteran Scot trailed by a set and a break before storming back and eventually prevailing after two hours and 27 minutes.

“It means a lot,” Murray told the crowd. “The past few years have been extremely difficult. Both me and Stan have had a lot of injury problems in the past couple of years. Amazing to be back playing against him in a final like that. I think it was a great match. I didn’t expect to be in this position at all, so I’m very happy.

“This is one of the biggest wins that I’ve had after everything (that happened).”

Wawrinka has dealt with plenty of injury problems of his own and was playing in Antwerp for the first time since the U.S. Open due to a knee issue.

“He’s an amazing champion, he’s part of the Big Four, he’s one of the top players to every play this sport,” the 34-year-old Swiss praised. “He’s won everything possible on the tennis court. He’s a big champion, always a fighter. He’s coming back from hip surgery (and to play) at that level, it’s something amazing.”

While Murray’s title was his first in a while, Denis Shapovalov’s triumph at the Stockholm Open marked his first ATP title ever. Shapovalov defeated Filip Krajinovic 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 24 minutes on Sunday afternoon.

“I am definitely super happy and just really proud,” Shapovalov assured. “Me and my team have worked really hard to get into this position of lifting a title, so I am really proud of myself and proud of my team right now.”

At the Kremlin Cup, Andrey Rublev treated the Russian crowd to a 6-4, 6-0 final victory over Adrian Mannarino. Rublev lifted a winner’s trophy for the first time since 2017 as a lucky loser in Umag by making mincemeat out of the Frenchman in one hour and two minutes.

“I’m at a loss; I can’t find the right words for what it means to me to win here,” the 21-year-old said. “I grew up with this tournament. I spent my whole childhood at the Kremlin Cup. I will remember this tournament and this win for many years, and I’ll hopefully be playing this tournament for many years down the road.”

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand. You can follow him on twitter at @Dimonator.