Andy Murray revealed he had to be patient and wait for his opportunity after coming from behind to beat Gilles Muller and reach the semi-finals at the Queen’s Club.
Muller raced to victory in the first set, often relying on his big serve to hold the 2013 Wimbledon champion at bay, and had the opportunity to win the match in a second-set tie-break.
However, Murray won that tie-break convincingly and clinched the third set 6-4 to ease into the semi-finals, where he will face either John Isner or Viktor Troicki.
And the 28-year-old, who won at Queen’s in 2009, 2011 and 2013, was pleased with the manner of his victory after a frustrating start to proceedings.
“I started to read the serve a little bit better in that tie-break in the second set and that’s when the match changed a little bit,” said Murray.
“It’s always tough when you’re behind and I wasn’t getting many chances on his serve so it was a bit frustrating.
“In the second set I was holding my service games well but wasn’t able to get the breakthrough, but towards the end I started to relax more and return better and play some really good tennis at the end. Hopefully I can carry that form into tomorrow.”
Muller flew out the blocks and broke Murray’s serve in the fourth game of the match before opening up a 4-1 lead.
From there the rest of the opening set went with the serve and the left-hander from Luxembourg won it 6-3 to put the London 2012 gold medallist on the ropes.
He hit back by clinching the second set with a tie-break, following 12 games without a single break of serve, and taking it to a decider.
With the momentum in his favour, perhaps for the first time in the match, Murray broke his opponent’s serve in the opening game of the third set.
From that point the three-time champion put his foot on the gas and clinched the decider and, just over a week out from Wimbledon, Murray admits he would love to clinch another title.
He added: “I love playing here and I have got a chance to win the event – all the guys in the semis do.
“I’m in a good place now, physically I feel good and with Wimbledon just around the corner, it’s always good to pick up a few wins. I’m looking forward to the next few days.”
© Sportsbeat 2015