US Open 3rd round: Murray digs deep to progress past Mannarino

Andy Murray (9/2 title chance with Coral) did what he does best on Thursday at the US Open, as he dug deep by coming back from two sets down to beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino to reach the Men’s singles third round.

The Scot (1/20 match favourite) now faces Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci (8/1), who knocked out Englishman James Ward in the first round, and is 11/4 to beat him 3-1.

Another Brit, Australian-born Johanna Konta, meanwhile, also showed her battling instincts as she eventually overcame Spain ninth seed and Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza after three hours and 23 minutes. The epic 7-6 (4) 6-7 (4) 6-2 victory was also the record longest Women’s match in history at Flushing Meadows.

Konta (6/4) has been handed another seed Andrea Petkovic (1/2), who reached the quarters here in 2011, but is 4/1 to beat her 2-1 too.

In the Men’s draw, the tastiest battle on Saturday will be between Bernard Tomic (11/4) and Richard Gasquet (1/4). The former knocked out Australian compatriot and veteran Lleyton Hewitt in a close five sets, and this clash could go the distance too. Frenchman Gasquet is a tempting 5/1 shout to win 3-2.

Other names to look out for include Roger Federer (1/25), Stan Wawrinka (1/20) and Tomas Berdych (1/9), who face respective opponents Philipp Kohlschreiber (9/1), Ruben Bemelmans (8/1) and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (5/1).

In the Women’s section, meanwhile, along with Muguruza, Caroline Wozniacki was the main shock of the day, losing to Petra Cetkovska in three sets. The Czech (9/4) now duels with fellow veteran Flavia Pennetta (1/3) for a place in the fourth round.