The 34-year-old Wawrinka was looking for his first ATP title since the 2017 Geneva Open.

The crucial break of serve in the first set came in the second game, with Murray saving two break points but not a third, and his Swiss opponent served it out, 6-3.

Murray looked in deep trouble when Wawrinka broke again in the third game of the second set, and had to save more break points to avoid losing a fourth game in a row.

But having dug in, he got his reward as Wawrinka’s serve faltered, and Murray broke back to 3-3.

Wawrinka had two more chances at 4-4 but again Murray fought off the danger and then took his first set point to clinch, 6-4, and level the match.

Wawrinka stepped up again early in the third set, and was twice a break ahead, but once more Murray dug in, hitting back immediately both times.