Murray entered the second round fresh from a two-set victory over Yannick Hanfmann in the opening round, putting an end to his three-match losing streak. He aimed to replicate his earlier success against Etcheverry, as he had won their first-ever ATP Tour clash at this year's Indian Wells Masters. However, the match turned out to be a challenging one as he lost his serve in the opening game.
Etcheverry capitalized on the early break, holding his serve with ease, and had a chance to break Murray for a second time. Nevertheless, the British player saved that break point and managed to break back, leveling the score at 2-2.
Throughout the closely-contested first set, neither player had another break point opportunity. Etcheverry briefly took the lead at 4-2, but he lost his serve when it mattered most. Murray won two consecutive receiving points and converted his first set point.
The second set saw Etcheverry take control with a break for a 3-1 lead. He skillfully fended off five break points during his next two service games to maintain his advantage.
In the decider, Etcheverry started strongly, earning three break points on Murray's serve. Murray, in his typical resilient fashion, saved all three, forcing a deuce. However, Etcheverry eventually converted his fourth break opportunity and maintained his lead.
Murray had to save three more break points in the seventh game, but Etcheverry's persistent pressure paid off as he earned the opportunity to serve for the match, which he successfully did.
As a result of his victory, the 24-year-old Etcheverry could potentially face top seed Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, provided Rune prevails against Etcheverry's compatriot Sebastian Baez in their last-16 clash on Thursday evening.
