Andy Murray Struggles In Heat Against Gulbis

Andy Murray had to come from a set down to see off the challenge from Ernests Gulbis as he struggled to cope with the blistering mid day heat.

The Scot had never lost to the Latvian but it was Gulbis who had the better start as Murray's service issues plaguing him again as he was broke twice to fall behind 1-4.

And while Murray did get one of the breaks back it wasn't enough to get back on level terms in the set and Gulbis comfortably took the opener 6-4.

But the quality of the match dipped in the second set as Murray looked lethargic and uncomfortable in the heat, which was plus thirty degrees on court, as both players struggled with their serves.

But it was Gulbis who cracked first as he threw in a terrible service game in fifth game for Murray to break and move ahead 2-3. And the break was enough to see Murray level the match and take the match into a third set.

Murray broke Gulbis in the opening game of the third set only for the Latvian to break straight back. Despite both of them struggling with the heat there were no more breaks of serve and a tie break was needed when the pair were still locked together 6-6.

Murray dominated the opening exchanges of the break and he was soon 6-1 up and while Gulbis did save three match points he couldn't close the gap and Murray finally got over the line to claim a 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) victory.

Speaking to the BBC after the match Murray said: "It was very warm and I was struggling to get control," said Murray, who won the Toronto Masters last week.

"Gulbis was hitting huge. He was comfortable when he was dictating points. I then began to make some first serves and then made sure he would have to play some great tennis to win the tie-break."

"When I played against him both times this year, I was struggling with my form. But I've previously had some good results against him and I'm playing a lot better than I was a few months ago.

"I need to up my game and hopefully I can get given an evening match."

The Scot will now face American Mardy Fish, who enjoyed a more comfortable straight sets win over Frenchman Richard Gasquet. The pair were locked together at 5-5 in the opening set until Fish finally broke through in the eleventh game.

With the break under his belt he went on to serve out the set 7-5. Fish broke in the fifth game of the second set before going on to dominate the set to wrap up a 7-5 6-2 win to set up a clash with Murray.

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