Former champion Andy Murray rolls back years to win on Wimbledon return

The former world No 1, playing his first singles match at Wimbledon since 2017, looked set to cruise over the line when he led by two sets and 5-0 in front of a raucous crowd.

But Murray faltered within sight of the line, Basilashvili found renewed hope and he reeled off seven games in a row, saving two match points, to force a fourth set with darkness closing in.

That meant a delay while the roof was closed and Murray regrouped, moved back in front and this time finished the job off to win 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3.

Four years after limping out of Wimbledon following a quarter-final loss to Sam Querrey, Murray returned in singles with expectations severely tempered by ongoing physical issues and a lack of match play. With Basilashvili an opponent of some calibre and a two-time ATP Tour champion this season, there were fears Murray’s return could also be his Wimbledon swansong.

But the 34-year-old has been consistently bullish about his chances of returning to the top of the game if his body cooperates, and the test will now be whether he can back up this match against one of two qualifiers, Oscar Otte or Arthur Rinderknech, who were tied at 9-9 in the fifth when their match was suspended.

It was like old times as Murray walked out in early evening sunshine to a huge roar from the Centre Court crowd, which, although only at 50 per cent capacity, was doing its best to make up for the empty seats.

This was only Murray’s sixth tour-level match this year, with a groin problem having been niggling away since March, and it was clear in his two matches at Queen’s Club that the Scot was rusty.

But some high-level practice sessions, including on Friday with Roger Federer, had given him extra time on court and the difference was noticeable from the start.

Murray’s serve was at a different level to recent times, his movement sharp and his strokes – with a few exceptions – crisp and penetrating.

The roar he gave to the crowd, which reciprocated heartily, after breaking serve to take the opening set was a glorious reminder of times past.

The second set saw Georgian Basilashvili, who is the subject of an ongoing court case in his home country after being accused of domestic violence against his ex-wife - allegations he denies - threaten the Murray serve but fail to take his opportunities.

Murray was not so generous when his chance came at 4-3, and from there he gave a demonstration of grass-court tennis of the highest quality, winning seven games in a row to move to the brink of victory.

There did not appear to be any great concern when the Scot failed to take his first chance to serve it out, but it gave Basilashvili something to cling on to.

Murray had two match points on the big-hitting Georgian’s serve at 5-3 but he was denied on both occasions and nerves were jangling in the crowd when Basilashvili got back on level terms.

Murray saved one set point but not a second and looked unable to believe what had happened as the match was briefly suspended.

He came back out with a positive attitude and got the better of three straight breaks to start the fourth set.

The Scot then forced more match points on Basilashvili’s serve at 3-5 and took his fourth chance, punching the air in delight at a job ultimately well done.

A number of other matches were cancelled due to rain which included British No 1 Dan Evans’ opening match with Feliciano Lopez.

But fellow Briton Liam Broady registered just his second win at Wimbledon as he swept aside Marco Cecchinato in straight sets.

The British No 5 beat the Italian 6-3 6-4 6-0 to continue what has been an impressive year.

Having survived break point in the opening game, a crucial break at 4-3 allowed him to take the first set.

The match was decided in the latter part of the second set as, after holding off Cecchinato in two of his own service games, he got the crucial break to lead 5-4.

Serving to go 2-0 up he had to fend off another attack on his serve, saving three more break points to eventually take the set.

Fifth seed Andrey Rublev equalled his best run at SW19 with a four-set victory over Federico Delbonis.

The Russian lost the first set but came back to win 4-6 6-4 6-1 6-2 and make it through to the second round.

The gates had opened half an hour earlier than normal at 10am to allow extra time for spectators to complete the necessary checks.

With Wimbledon part of the Government’s Events Research Programme, fans are required to show proof of either full vaccination, a negative coronavirus test or immunity through a recent infection, while all tickets are electronic.

Capacity for the first week of the tournament is 50 per cent, rising to 100 per cent for the finals weekend.

Spectators are required to wear masks while walking around the grounds but not while seated at the courts.

Monday’s original schedule did include 10 British players, with Andy Murray third on Centre Court against Nikoloz Basilashvili and 19-year-old Jack Draper taking on defending champion Novak Djokovic first up.

Action on Court One began under the roof just after 1pm, before Draper and Djokovic got proceedings started on Centre Court at 1.30pm.

Second seed Sabalenka needed 76 minutes to book her place in the second round with a straight-sets win and Djokovic started the defence of his title with a 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory over Great Britain’s Draper.