LONDON: Andy Murray’s eagerly awaited return to the tour at the Fever-Tree Championships has ended in defeat after he went out 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-5, to Nick Kyrgios in the first round.
The highly anticipated meeting at The Queen’s Club was one that attracted a full capacity crowd at the tournament. Former world No.1 Murray was playing in his first match since July 12th after being sidelined with a right hip injury that required surgery in January. His opponent was the talented and formidable Kyrgios. Who overcame a lacklustre display to win with the help of 18 aces, 39 winners and 26 unforced errors.
“We’re good mates, and I was thinking about it when I was out there,” Kyrgios said after the match. “It was good to finally get a win against him, but I don’t think I can really count this one.
“From the get-go he came out pretty good and I wasn’t expecting anything less really to be honest.”
Tuesday’s see-saw encounter saw both players struggle as they expressed their frustrations on the court. At first it appeared as if the home favourite would be on course to sealing a comprehensive win. Breaking his opponent two consecutive times to claim the opening set. Kyrgios, who reached the semifinals in Stuttgart last week, baffled many on the court with his hot and cold play. Hitting shots of brilliance as well as showing signs of struggling both physically and mentally on the court.
Despite his absence from the tour, it was clear that Murray’s passion for the sport has not lessened. As he made animated gestures towards his camp throughout the match. During the second set both players struggled to consolidate their leads. Murray initially had a break advantage before losing four out of five games to trail 2-4. Nevertheless, he kept fighting to draw level. Only for the unpredictable Kyrgios to regain his footing by clinching a tense tiebreaker, but by no means easing questions about his form.
“Every point it’s getting worse. I’m not happy with this.” Kyrgios complained to his camp immediately after claiming the tiebreak.
With all to play for, fears about Murray’s fitness started to mount. Especially when he kept reaching towards his lower left back after the conclusion of certain points. Kyrgios also looked like he was a member of the walking wounded as he walked tentatively around the court at times.
The world No.21 worked his way to his first match point at 5-4, but failed to convert after a shot failed to go over the net. Prompting Murray encourage the crowd to get behind him. A second then came and went for the Australian as Murray drew level at 5-5. The titanic battle between the two ended in perhaps the most undeserving way. A double fault from the two-time Wimbledon champion.
“I feel good, I was out for two-and-a-half months, I had my return in Stuttgart and I’m feeling good ahead of Wimbledon.” Said Kyrgios.
The win is the first time Kyrgios has defeated Murray on the tour and it is his first ever main draw win at the tournament. He will play either Kyle Edmund or Ryan Harris in the next round.
