Murray reaches last 16 at Rafa Nadal Open

Former world number one Andy Murray reached the last 16 thanks to Tuesday's 6-3, 6-4 victory against third seed Norbert Gombos in Mallorca.

Gombos provided a much sterner test for Murray, who needed almost two hours to beat the Slovakian world number 115.

Andy Murray continued his singles comeback via the ATP Challenger Tour with a straight-sets win over Norbert Gombos at the Rafa Nadal Open.

Former world number one Murray reached the last 16 of the event thanks to Tuesday's 6-3, 6-4 victory against third seed Gombos in Mallorca.

Murray dropped down to the Challenger Tour for the first time since 2005 in a bid to improve his fitness following hip resurfacing surgery in January, which threatened to end his stellar career.

The three-time grand slam champion started a singles comeback at ATP Masters 1000 tournament the Western & Southern Open before making a swift exit from the Winston-Salem Open.

Third round bound in Mallorca!@andy_murray earns his biggest victory in his singles comeback, d. Gombos 63 64 in one hour and 43 minutes. pic.twitter.com/rC8MjWPD1R

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 27, 2019

 

Murray – who played a series of high-profile doubles tournaments after teaming up with Serena Williams in the mixed event at Wimbledon – then opted to skip the US Open in New York.

The 32-year-old turned to the Challenger Tour for the first time in 14 years, and after blitzing teenager Imran Sibille in his tournament opener, Murray saw off Gombos.

Gombos provided a much sterner test for Murray, who needed almost two hours to beat the Slovakian world number 115.

Murray will next face world number 240 Matteo Viola for a place in the quarterfinals.