Tennis

Andy Murray’s Mallorca charge ended by Matteo Viola as Brit has to have medical treatment


Andy Murray had claimed back-to-back wins at the Challenger event, the first of those ending a seven-month wait for a singles victory on the ATP Tour.

But after overcoming Imran Sibille and Norbert Gombos, Murray was beaten by 32-year-old Italian Viola in Mallorca.

Ranked No 240 in the world, Viola produced an impressive performance to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-6 (7-6).

Murray is continuing his return from hip surgery and had to receive treatment in the third set with the two-time Wimbledon winner notably weary.

The former British No 1 has been in doubles action at Queen’s, Eastbourne, Wimbledon, the Washington Open and the Canadian Open.

Murray was then back to singles play at the Cincinnati Masters and the Winston-Salem Open, though he suffered defeat in his opening match on both occasions.

But the Rafa Nadal Open saw him return to winning ways.

And while he was impressive in his first two victories, Murray appeared to be heavily fatigued against Viola.

Murray received medical treatment in the third set having had problems serving in the second. 

He appeared to struggle with his movements in the third and while Viola only claimed one ace all match, he was triumphant after winning the third set tiebreak 7-3.

A three-time Grand Slam champion, Murray had been competing on the Challenger circuit for the first time in 14 years.

Next up for the 32-year-old is the ATP 250 event in Zhuhai.



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