Andy Murray had a bad day at the office as he crashed out to Ugo Humbert in Dubai, receiving a telling-off from the umpire and showing his frustrations on the court. The No. 5 seed ousted Murray 6-2 6-4. During the match, the three-time Grand Slam champion said he was feeling “horrific” and was warned about conversing with his coaches.
Humbert came into the match hunting his first victory against Murray, who won their two previous meetings in 2021 and 2019. The No. 5 seed came from a set down to defeat another veteran in Gael Monfils on Tuesday. But he wasted no time against the Brit, getting off to a fast start.
Murray was dragged into some lengthy service games and failed to make it out unscathed as the 25-year-old raced into a double-break lead. The 2017 champion played 31 points across his first three service games compared to just 12 from Humbert, who opened with three love-holds.
As the Frenchman continued to run him around the court effortlessly, Murray grew frustrated and started muttering away to himself. But he managed to get on the board again before Humbert closed out a dominant first set 6-2, dropping just one point on his serve and hitting 18 winners to Murray’s six.
The 36-year-old also earned himself a telling-off from the umpire for having a conversation with his coaches, as Adel Nour explained that he could only receive advice instead of engaging in a full back-and-forth. Some officials seated near the court also reminded Murray of the rule early in the first set.
And the world No. 67’s woes continued as he was broken to trail 1-2 down in the second set. During the game, Murray was heart saying: “Dear me, it’s bad. Dear me. Don’t have a clue what I’m doing. Oh god. Awful feelings. Awful feelings on a tennis court. Horrific.” He doubled down after Humbert broke his serve, adding: “Awful feeling,” and hitting the umpire’s chair with his racket as he returned to his bench.
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