Andy Murray is still without a win in 2024 after crashing out of the Open 13 in the first round against Tomas Machac. Murray went down 7-5, 6-3 in Marseille and after his fourth entry of the year, is yet to find any consistent form as retirement fears continue to grow.
Murray hit back at suggestions he was tarnishing his legacy last week as he continues to play at 36 with a metal hip, but without the desired results this season. Though he had hinted after losing at the Australian Open that it may have been his last visit to the Major as a player.
In Marseille, Murray had forced his way back from 3-1 down early in the first set and led 5-4, but was unable to complete the comeback and went down 7-5 in their first-ever meeting.
His Czech Republican opponent won the final three games after a couple of unforced errors, including a double fault, with a poor backhand breaking Murray. He was given a lifeline after a stunning cross-court forehand winner, but Machac’s big serve saw the world No. 66 take the opening set in 52 minutes.
The Brit will have been desperate to avoid going 0-4 to start the year, but was broken early in the second set. Murray got lobbed and was then beaten by Machac at the net, before slamming a backhand into the net as he cut a frustrated figure despite his many supporters in France continuing to cheer him on.
He screamed after losing another point but was gifted the chance to break back almost immediately, after a rare miss by Machac at 30-30. But Murray could not stoke enough fear into his opponent who quickly took the game to lead 4-2.
Machac then stretched his lead to 5-3 and had Murray on the brink, serving for his chance to stay in the match, but an overhead slam saw the Czech star draw first blood.
Murray vented to his team before the game as he was visibly unhappy with his performance, but kept his cool to take the point without further reply.
However, Murray was unable to combat Machac’s strong serve and he went down without winning a single point in the final game for what was his opponent’s biggest-ever scalp.
