Queen's Club 2024: Andy Murray makes winning start with a milestone victory over Alexei Popyrin

Tennis star Andy Murray defeated world no. 48 Alexei Popyrin in a historical win that gave him a winning start to his Queen's Club match, which took place on June 18 in London. Notably, the 37-year-old, who currently holds the record for the five-time champion in west London, won his first ATP match since March. Amazingly, it was his 1000th match of his career, which came on the winning end.

The former world number one seems to be struggling physically, as he went on to drop one in the second set. However, he rallied in the third game, giving fans a lift with a classic cross-court win. He also brought up break point, which he then flawlessly handled with a backhand to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in an hour and forty minutes.

Meanwhile, the tennis community and fans have congratulated him for having had a great career so far with so many ups and downs. Intrestingly, Murray was not aware that he was set to play his 1000th match. The British player admitted that his journey wasn't easy, but he kept pushing himself to reach the pinnacle of the level. The Glasglow-born player also acknowledged that he didn't get many wins this year.

Watch his match here:

No other player makes you feel like tennis is life-or-death. Andy Murray makes his business your business as his fan and I'll miss the emotional exhausted expectation that he places on every one of us that show up to support him.



Fucking love him. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vRAjE4cZhr

— Scott Barclay (@BarclayCard18) June 18, 2024

I didn't realise, but my mum told me before the match that...: Andy Murray

His welcome ahead of the game:

1324 - @DjokerNole

1300 - @RafaelNadal

1006 - @FerVerdasco

1004 - @richardgasquet1

1000 - @andy_murray



A milestone moment for Murray as the fifth active male to compete in a 1000th tour-level match@QueensTennis | #cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/qKsLuFvEQ7

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 18, 2024

"I didn't realise, but my mum told me before the match that this was my 1000th match on the Tour. A lot of matches and a lot of wear and tear in the body and it is not easy but I managed to push through. During the match it is difficult but great reward at the end for the hard work and effort I put into the match. I have not got too many wins this year, it has been a difficult season but did well to come through in the end. Held quite a few tight service games and managed to serve it out well," Murray said in his on-court interview.

Murray d. Popyrin 6-3 3-6 6-3



Andy just played his 1000th match at the age of 37



It’s one thing to have a long career



But it’s another thing to enjoy every minute of it



Sir Andy Murray has done that



✅739th win

✅32-9 record at Queens

✅5-time champion



In total awe 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤍 pic.twitter.com/06x3ksR83J

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 18, 2024

Active players to compete in 1,000 ATP Tour-level matches