Murray, Djokovic win at Roland Garros

Andy Murray survived a nervy fifth-set decider against Czech veteran Radek Stepanek to complete a 3-6 3-6 6-0 6-3 7-5 comeback win and scrape into the French Open second round.

But number one seed Novak Djokovic advanced a lot more easily, beating Lu Yen-hsun of Taiwan 6-4 6-1 6-1 to open his campaign.

Murray had been tormented by his 37-year-old opponent in the previous evening’s gloom, being outplayed in the opening two sets before repairing some of the damage by the time bad light intervened with him leading 4-2 in the fourth set.

If he hoped things would be less complicated when the match resumed on Philippe Chatrier Court, he was sadly mistaken as a reinvigorated and inspired Stepanek came within two points of an unlikely upset.

There was plenty of respect from Murray after the match, as he warmly consoled the 128th-ranked Czech and applauded him off court.

“It is unbelievable what he is doing. He had a bad injury last year yet at 37 is still coming out and fighting like he is,” said Murray.

“He has always been extremely difficult to play. He hardly missed any volleys – until the one on match point and even that nearly got over – hit a lot of drop shots and hit the ball very flat and that made it very hard for me.

“I don’t expect to be doing that at his age! I am just pleased to have got through.”

Murray won 10 of the last 12 games on Monday to seize the momentum and sealed victory when Stepanek netted an attempted drop-volley.

With a kind-looking draw, Murray can now look forward to another deep run at a venue where he has reached the semis three times.

“I had a bit of momentum yesterday. But I had to fight extremely hard today,” Murray said.

He’ll now play French wildcard Mathias Bourge in the next round.

Djokovic, who is trying to win the only grand slam he has never won, had his only blip when he dropped serve in the eighth game of the opening set.

But having levelled for 4-4, the wheels came off for Lu and the 32-year-old only won two more games before Djokovic safely secured a second-round clash with Belgian Steve Darcis.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!