PARIS — As Andy Murray and Radek Stepanek met at the net to shake hands after Murray’s harrowing five-set victory, a weary Stepanek reached out to hug his opponent, a rare gesture for a first-round match.
For the 37-year-old Stepanek, this was a powerful moment, even in defeat. His match with Murray had stretched over two days and included encroaching darkness, chilly conditions, a couple of contentious moments and plenty of compelling tennis, mostly from Stepanek.
It was almost as exhausting for fans at the French Open to watch as it was to play, and Stepanek looked as if he needed the embrace to commemorate the moment and confirm that he and Murray, the No.