[ad_1]
(Reuters) – Andy Murray was hesitant at first but improved with time before losing to Frenchman Richard Gasquet on his return in singles at the Cincinnati Open on Monday.
Murray, who is in his first singles game since January and undergoing hip surgery, performed well at times, but Gasquet broke his serve at the start of each set to win 6-4, 6-4.
Later on his Twitter account, ATP said that Murray would not participate in the US Open singles next week.
The 32-year-old took a very cautious start and chose to play safely.
The Frenchman dominates the game since the first serve and forced Murray to move from side to side and back and forth, relying on back and back shots.
Murray needed confidence in his ability to improve and hit the air with his fist when he was playing well.
The Scottish player arrived on the main field with a huge bow and a broad smile. The Scottish flag was hoisted in the stands.
But the first transmission was far from what Murray and the fans wanted.
Gasquet, who also returned to the game in May after a groin injury, maintained his serve to lead 2-0.
Murray seemed to have found his pace, improved the British player and won three consecutive points, including breaking his opponent, to lead 3-2.
But Gasquet also won the next three games to advance 5-3 and is well placed to win the first set.
Murray extended the game for another half before Gasquet settled it in his favor.
The second set started with a break from Murray but did better.
He had the chance to break the tie and tie 2-2. But Gasquet did not let things go with a 4-2 lead.
Earlier, Croatian Marin Cilic became the first favorite player to enter the tournament after losing 14th to Radu Albot 6-4 7-6, while Serbian Miomir Kitsmanovic knocked out Felix Oger-Alyasim 6-3 , 6-3.
World number two Rafael Nadal retired from the tournament after winning his fifth Rogers Cup title on Sunday.
(Reuters)
Source link
