He closed out the tiebreak and the match as Murray hit long, but admitted after his win that the latter stages of the second set were crucial.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

After Granollers won the first set 6-3, Murray took a long injury break early in the second set, getting his left thigh and lower back massaged.

WSJ: Back Might Keep Andy Murray Out of French Open Tennis

But serve it out he did, as Murray sent a tired forehand long on match point.

BBC: Brutal Nadal sweeps aside Murray