AIX-EN-PROVENCE/STARNBERG, May 7, 2023
Andy Murray is the champion of the 10th edition of the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole. The three-time major champion battled past World No. 17 Tommy Paul, top seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 175 clay-court tournament in southern France, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 in Sunday’s singles final.
In a match between two wild card entries, Murray sent down five aces, broke the US-American’s serve four times to prevail after one hour and 54 minutes.
What. A. Week. 👏
Andy Murray scores his third Top 20 win of 2023 to claim the title in Aix-en-Provence #ATPChallenger | @OpenduPaysdAix pic.twitter.com/PtkTfJssuv
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 7, 2023
“This last year, 18 months has been a bit of struggle with my game. But [my team] have been there supporting me and working with me to try and get better,” Murray said during the trophy ceremony. “We keep going from here.”
The 35-year-old Briton claimed his third ATP Challenger Tour career title, his first since winning in Binghamton in 2005. By winning his first clay-court title at any level since his triumph at the 2016 Rome ATP Masters 1000 event, Murray earned €27,155 in prize money as well as 175 ATP Ranking points.
“The most important part of this week [was] the fans who came out to support,” Murray said. “The atmosphere from the very first match right to the end was incredible. It’s so important for these tournaments to have the support of the local community and you guys came out even before the tournament started.
“[During] the practice sessions, you were out here watching and supporting. It means a lot to the players, but it’s so important to this event as well.”
Kubler/Peers triumph in doubles
Earlier in the day, Australians Jason Kubler and John Peers captured their first team title. The No. 4 seeds outlasted Portugal’s Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral after one hour and 45 minutes in the doubles championship match.
