NEW DELHI: Andy Murray faced a setback in his start to the Wimbledon warm-up on Tuesday, losing 6-3, 6-4 to Marcos Giron in the first round of the Stuttgart Open.
Previously reaching the finals in Stuttgart two years ago, the former world number one had been training on grass in Britain following his first-round exit at Roland Garros against Stan Wawrinka last month.
Despite his preparation, Murray’s efforts did not come to fruition at the Weissenhof Club, where the courts are maintained under the guidance of experts from the All England Club.
Murray is now looking to rebound and sharpen his game on grass at Queen’s Club in London, which serves as his final preparation before what is likely to be his last Wimbledon appearance.
The 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon champion was defeated in 75 minutes, with Giron securing his first win at the event after previously experiencing a pair of first-round exits.
As a result of this defeat, Murray is set to drop out of the Top 120 in the rankings.
During the opening set, Murray missed a volley into the net from close range, falling behind 4-2, and Giron wrapped up the set three games later.
Moving into the second set, Murray won the first six points but could not sustain the momentum.
“I grew up watching Andy, it’s an honour to be on the court with him,” Giron, 30, said.
“I’m grateful to beat him and happy with the win. I was excited to get a grass lesson from him.
“It’s unreal what he’s done in his career, to play him on grass is unbelievable – I’m pumped with the win.”
Jack Draper will face Giron in the second round. The Briton previously defeated the 54th-ranked American in a five-set match during the Australian Open’s first round in January.
Last year, Murray reached the Stuttgart final but lost to Matteo Berrettini. Berrettini progressed earlier with a 7-6 (10/8), 5-7, 7-5 victory over Roman Safiullin.
(With AFP inputs)
Previously reaching the finals in Stuttgart two years ago, the former world number one had been training on grass in Britain following his first-round exit at Roland Garros against Stan Wawrinka last month.
Despite his preparation, Murray’s efforts did not come to fruition at the Weissenhof Club, where the courts are maintained under the guidance of experts from the All England Club.
Murray is now looking to rebound and sharpen his game on grass at Queen’s Club in London, which serves as his final preparation before what is likely to be his last Wimbledon appearance.
The 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon champion was defeated in 75 minutes, with Giron securing his first win at the event after previously experiencing a pair of first-round exits.
As a result of this defeat, Murray is set to drop out of the Top 120 in the rankings.
During the opening set, Murray missed a volley into the net from close range, falling behind 4-2, and Giron wrapped up the set three games later.
Moving into the second set, Murray won the first six points but could not sustain the momentum.
“I grew up watching Andy, it’s an honour to be on the court with him,” Giron, 30, said.
“I’m grateful to beat him and happy with the win. I was excited to get a grass lesson from him.
“It’s unreal what he’s done in his career, to play him on grass is unbelievable – I’m pumped with the win.”
Jack Draper will face Giron in the second round. The Briton previously defeated the 54th-ranked American in a five-set match during the Australian Open’s first round in January.
Last year, Murray reached the Stuttgart final but lost to Matteo Berrettini. Berrettini progressed earlier with a 7-6 (10/8), 5-7, 7-5 victory over Roman Safiullin.
(With AFP inputs)
