Andy Murray believes the manner of his victory over Kyle Edmund at the Washington Open was just as important as the result.
The former world No 1 prevailed 7-6, 1-6, 6-4 in the battle of the Brits to clinch the biggest win of his comeback from hip surgery.
Murray, now 832nd in the world rankings, was facing the man who replaced him as British No 1 and gained a measure of revenge for his straight-sets defeat to Edmund at Eastbourne in June.
It was another testing occasion for the Scot, who was taken to a decider for a second time this week having edged out Mackenzie McDonald in the first round.
But Murray, 31, was particularly encouraged by a more attacking display against his compatriot, telling the ATP Tour website: "It was much better, just in terms of the way I actually played the match.
___________
Read more
Andy Murray takes a big step forward in his long road of recovery
Roger Federer: Rogers Cup withdrawal means less preparation for US Open
Novak Djokovic: A remarkable champion who struggles to capture hearts of tennis fans
Angelique Kerber: Backed to complete career Grand Slam after Wimbledon triumph
___________
"In the first match I basically spent the whole match defending, I was playing quite far behind the baseline. And that's not really how I want to be playing moving forward.
"I spoke at good length with my coach about that. Today, regardless of the result, we wanted to at least be dictating more points, trying to use my forehand, be closer to the baseline.
"I think I did that, especially in some of the important moments in the third set. I was being more offensive. I was a lot happier with the way I approached the match."
Murray was take on Marius Copil in the last 16 around 5am UAE time today after the Romanian knocked out Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-4.
"I gave my best of what I had on the day today. Just didn't work out," Edmund said.
"It would have been nice to hold serve and maybe even control what I can and take [the third set] to a tie-break but it didn't happen."
Murray, who has added the China Open to his schedule in October as he continues his return from hip surgery earlier this year, said his body was being put through the wringer at the hard-court tournament.
"I feel better than I did during the grass-court season, which is positive," said Murray, who played three matches in late June but withdrew from Wimbledon as it came too early in his recovery process.
"So things are still getting better and I've lasted fairly well through two long matches here on a tough surface on the body.
"Hopefully I can keep healing up from the matches and feeling better."
