Andy Murray sees off Harold Mayot to set up final with Tommy Paul in Aix-en-Provence

Andy Murray booked his place in a first final on clay since the 2016 French Open when beating Harold Mayot in the semi-finals of the Aix-en-Provence Challenger.

The two-time Wimbledon champion is striving to get some time on clay into his legs before Roland Garros, which prompted his decision to play in Aix-en-Provence.

After battling past Gael Monfils, Laurent Lokoli and Luca van Assche, only Mayot stood between Murray and a place in the final.

Murray has not made things easy for himself on occasions this season, but after a tight first set he went through the gears to secure a 7-5 6-1 success.

Murray has the chance to get his hands on a first trophy since victory in Antwerp in 2019, with Tommy Paul his opponent in the final.

“Tommy has had a great year so far, playing the best tennis of his career,” Murray said. “He’s played well this week also. He’s a brilliant athlete.

“My game, I think, is in a good place. I feel like I’ve played much better the last couple matches. Hope for another good performance tomorrow.”

It was a fine display of serving from Murray, and it was fitting that victory was secured on his own serve with Mayot unable to return a backhand.

The ground game was also in good shape, as Murray proved at 5-0 up in the second set as he won a point he seemed to have no right to even be in – with his famed scrambling skills working superbly.

Murray also went from zero to hero with a young fan, who was hit by a ball that flew into the crowd. Once it was ascertained the youngster was okay, Murray gave him a high five and then at the end of the match returned for a photo.