Andy Murray suffered a second-round loss to Andrey Rublev in a hard-fought encounter on the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Friday night time.
In search of simply his second victory over a top-five opponent since 2016 and buoyed by a powerful efficiency within the opening spherical towards David Goffin, Murray matched fifth seed Rublev for a lot of the contest.
However he was unable to take 4 set factors within the opener and succumbed to a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 loss within the Californian desert.
Rublev made undesirable headlines final week when he was defaulted from the ATP event in Dubai for aggressively yelling within the face of a line decide.
The Russian had denied utilizing unhealthy language, and had his rating factors and prize cash restored on enchantment, however he issued a public apology for his behaviour forward of Friday’s contest with Murray.
Each males typically battle to include their feelings on court docket however right here Rublev was on his greatest behaviour, bar the odd shout in direction of his field.
There have been loads of alternatives for frustration to floor within the first set, particularly when Murray, whose first serve and backhand have been notably efficient, moved to 0-40 at 5-4 forward.
However Rublev saved all three set factors after which a fourth that adopted earlier than powering his method by way of the tie-break, helped by 29 winners in 13 video games, 18 alone off his monstrous forehand.
Murray then discovered himself in serious trouble when he was damaged from 40-0 up within the fourth recreation of the second set, with two double faults hurting him badly, and from there Rublev ran away with the competition.
Whereas it’s one other defeat for the Scot to digest, he’ll a minimum of depart Indian Wells – in all probability for the ultimate time – to go to Miami feeling extra optimistic about his tennis, with some encouraging indicators for future tournaments.
Maclagan: Rublev took completely nothing without any consideration
“Very impressive from Rublev to come out and play that sort of level,” says Murray’s former coach Miles Maclagan on Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“The respect and memories he had of Murray were Murray’s undoing because he took absolutely nothing for granted and was ready to go after it.
“When you already know you simply have produce degree and go after it virtually takes the stress off. It offers you that one choice, which was virtually the identical for Murray.
“He looked to play aggressively and he knew he needed to play well. There were moments with those six break points in the first set.”
Story of the Tape
Brits again in motion on Saturday
Emma Raducanu returns to motion when the previous US Open champion takes on thirtieth seed Dayana Yastremska at 7pm on Court docket 3 – reside on Sky Sports activities Tennis.
British No 1 and 2021 champion Cameron Norrie faces world No 55 Lorenzo Sonego on the identical time over on Court docket 4.
Learn how to watch play on Sky Sports activities Tennis
Sky Sports activities has confirmed a brand new house for tennis within the UK and Eire, with Sky Sports activities Tennis on Sky and NOW, making tennis content material obtainable all day, daily for followers.
Sky Sports activities will broadcast extra reside tennis than anyplace else, bringing over 4,000 matches from greater than 80 tournaments a yr on the ATP and WTA Excursions, in addition to full protection of the US Open, all completely reside.
Non-Sky subscribers can stream reside matches with a NOW Sports activities Day and Month Membership, by way of Sky Sports activities Tennis, Sky Sports activities Area, and Sky Sports activities Combine channels.
For additional entry, followers will even be capable to comply with their favorite gamers and achieve deeper insights from each Excursions by way of Sky Sports activities Information, the Sky Sports activities app, on SkySports.com and by way of Sky Sports activities social channels.
Get Sky Sports activities on WhatsApp!
Now you can begin receiving messages and alerts for the most recent breaking sports activities information, evaluation, in-depth options and movies from our devoted WhatsApp channel!
Discover out extra right here
Watch the WTA and ATP Excursions all through 2024 on Sky Sports activities Tennis. Stream Sky Sports activities Tennis and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – simply £21 a month for 12 months. No contract, cancel anytime.