Andy Murray beat Tommy Robredo 3-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(8) to win the Valencia Open 500 title.
Murray and Robredo battled more three-hours, and the Scot saved five match points to claim the win.
He surged to No. 5 and 30 points clear of Kei Nishikori in his bid to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for the seventh year in succession.
The match was a was a hot shot exhibition; a grueling battle of attrition that featured multiple momentum shifts. Robredo refused to yield an inch from the baseline, proving he was up to the task throughout the marathon affair. He struck first in the opening set, breaking for a 4-3 lead when Murray netted a forehand. The Scot was unable to convert on all six of his break point opportunities in the first set and it would prove costly, as Robredo took the opener after nearly an hour.
Murray's fortunes changed in the second set, and after exchanging early breaks of serve, he would fight off Robredo, Murray pair of match points from the persistent Spaniard in an eventual tie-break to draw level. Despite failing to convert on championship points in their second straight meeting, Robredo was not willing to back down in the deciding set. A thunderous roar echoed through the Agora Stadium as the hometown hero broke to love for a 4-3 advantage.
With his back against the wall, Murray would break back immediately and force a deciding tie-break after squandering a match point of his own in the 10th game. Robredo would secure a mini-break for 5-4 and had match points at 6-5, 7-6 and 8-7, but Murray rose to the occasion, saving them all and finally sealing the win with a backhand passing shot.
Andy will look to qualify for the Final Showdown at next week's BNP Paribas Masters, where he is seeded eighth.
"I know it was an incredible match," Murray exclaimed. "The tennis at the end and in the second set was high level. I played well at the right moments.
"I like playing here. It's a nice place to come this time of year. It's extremely warm outside which is good for the muscles, the joints and the mind as well. I came to train here earlier in the year. Good food, good weather and good people."
“It was an amazing match, and you have to enjoy it," said Robredo. "Unfortunately someone has to win and it was decided by a few balls. It is what it is. Now I will be a bit out for a couple of hours but I guess that when I finish the season next week, and I watch today’s match against one of the best players we have right now, I will be very happy."
Source ATP website
