Murray: 'Never Really Expected' To Reach Roland Garros Final

Andy Murray appeared an unlikely candidate to reach the Roland Garros final at the start of the tournament, but the No. 2 seed has played his way into form and his first final in Paris.

The Brit rallied from two sets down in his opening round against qualifier Radek Stepanek, then survived another come-from-behind victory in five sets in the second round over French wild card Mathias Bourgue. After his challenging start, Murray continued to improve with each match and saved his best tennis for Friday’s semi-final against defending champion and No. 3 seed Stan Wawrinka.

Hitting just 22 unforced errors over four sets, Murray was particularly strong in his return game and picked up 15 break points throughout the match, converting on five. A forehand volley winner sent Murray into the final with a 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 win.

“To reach the final of the French the first time is a big moment for me. It’s not an easy thing to do,” said Murray. “A few years ago, I never really expected to be able to do that. I was really happy to play the way that I did today after a tough start to the tournament.”

Perhaps the most surprising part of Murray’s strategy against Wawrinka was his success at charging the net. The No. 2 seed won 19 of 23 net points and suggested it’s something he’ll continue to do in Sunday’s championship match.

“I tried to come forward any time I had the chance today. When the conditions are so slow, it’s not that easy to finish the point from the back of the court all of the time,” said Murray. “It’s important to finish up at the net when you can just to make a few of the points a little bit easier.”

Only No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic separates Murray from his first Roland Garros title. The pair have established themselves as the top rivalry on tour in 2016, particularly during this year’s clay season. Djokovic prevailed over Murray in the final of Madrid, while Murray avenged the loss on his birthday a week later in the final of Rome.

Sunday’s final has monumental implications for both. While Djokovic aims to complete the career Grand Slam and become the first player to hold all four Grand Slams at the same time since Rod Laver in 1969, Murray is looking to become the first British champion at Roland Garros since Fred Perry in 1935.

“It’s obviously a very big match for both of us. Neither of us know how many more chances we’ll have to win here,” said Murray. “We have had some really big battles in the slams before on all the other surfaces. I’m sure it will be the same again on Sunday.”