ANDY MURRAY has raised a minimum of £23,000 for war-torn Ukrainian kids after a gutsy comeback display – his 700th career win.
The Scot, 34, will hand over his prize money for the rest of the year to UNICEF to provide medical equipment and supplies for children affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Andy Murray secured his 700th career win and £23,000 for the Ukraine war victims
And he is targeting a lucrative run at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after beating Japan’s world No106 Taro Daniel 1-6 6-2 6-4 in the first round.
Following another typical fightback performance, Muzza will now play Kazakh Alexander Bublik in the second round at Tennis Paradise.
The world No88 was watched courtside by Mark Hilton – the former coach of Dan Evans – who has been helping out in the Californian desert.
Yet any pre-match advice or guidance fell on deaf ears as Murray fell a set behind after just 28 minutes.
Murray showed glimpses of his warrior spirit by taking the second set and then he took the third despite being a break down.
He is able to gain revenge against the man who beat him at the Australian Open in January.
Off the court, there was another piece of good news for him and his wife Kim.
Just like he did at last October’s event, absent-minded Murray had misplaced his wedding ring – but eventually he located it before the match.
The special item was attached to the laces of one of his trainers for safekeeping during the three-set win.
Of the active ATP players, only the three tennis titans Roger Federer (1,251), Rafa Nadal (1,043) and Novak Djokovic (991) have won more matches than Murray.
He said: “It means a lot. It is a target I set myself towards the end of last year.
“With everything that has been going on the last few years, it has not been easy to get there. It’s a great achievement.
“Not loads of guys have been able to do that. I am really happy about it.”
Muzza battled back in typical fashion to get the landmark victory
Taro Daniel beat Murray at the Australian Open in January
