Andy Murray blows 4-0 lead in third set to be ousted from Monte Carlo Masters | Tennis News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Andy Murray blows 4-0 lead in third set to be ousted from Monte Carlo Masters

Associated Press | ByAssociated Press
Apr 21, 2017 01:29 AM IST

Andy Murray blew a 4-0 lead in the deciding set and lost to Albert Ramos-Vinolas 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday.

Andy Murray blew a 4-0 lead in the deciding set and lost to Albert Ramos-Vinolas 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday.

Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain (right) shakes hands with Andy Murray of Britain after winning the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters.(Reuters)
Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain (right) shakes hands with Andy Murray of Britain after winning the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters.(Reuters)

Former French Open and Monte Carlo champion Stan Wawrinka followed Murray out after losing to Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-4, 6-4.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Meanwhile, defending champion Rafael Nadal beat Alexander Zverev, spoiling the German’s 20th birthday, 6-1, 6-1, and two-time champion Novak Djokovic overcame a Murray-like wobble before getting past Pablo Carreno Busta 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Read more | Love halt! When loud sex sounds stalled pro tennis match in Florida

Djokovic dropped five straight games from 2-0 up in the second set and had to dig deep against the gritty Spaniard, whose speed across the court saw him retrieve countless shots.

Djokovic trailed 15-40 serving in the ninth game of the decider but held his nerve. The Serb sealed victory with a cross-court volley at the net.

Murray, returning from a right elbow injury which sidelined him during the Miami Open and Davis Cup quarterfinals, struggled on his serve in a scrappy match lasting more than 2 1/2 hours. The match featured 13 service breaks, including seven against Murray.

Read more | Tennis queen Serena Williams ‘20 weeks’ pregnant, will skip rest of 2017 season

“I’m disappointed to lose from the position that I was in,” said Murray, last year’s French Open runner-up to Djokovic. “I haven’t lost many matches like that in my career.”

Ramos-Vinolas, of Spain, celebrated his first win over a world No. 1 in four chances.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka never found his touch or range and conceded match point when his backhand pass — normally one of the best shots in men’s tennis — clipped the net and went out. Cuevas hit a sweet forehand winner down the line on the next point and raised his arms after beating Wawrinka in their first-ever meeting.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On