Andy Murray has spoken in the wake of his 2024 Roland Garros exit in singles at the hands of Stan Wawrinka.
Murray played for the first time at the clay-court Grand Slam since 2020. He was paired against the same player who ended his campaign in Paris four years ago.
Back then, it was his first full season after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, but he was blown away by the powerful Wawrinka. He managed to win just six games. Fast-forward to 2024, and Murray returned to the French Open for possibly the last time as a player.
Although Murray competed bravely in the first two sets, he could not sustain his level throughout and lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 on Sunday night in just over two hours.
It was just his fourth match since recovering from a career-threatening ankle ligament damage in March, and the physical toll eventually took over, with the Swiss breaking the 37-year-old twice in the decider.
Speaking to reporters after the match, a deflated Murray congratulated Wawrinka, who is two years his senior, for rediscovering his spark on clay and in a tournament he has won in the past.
The Briton could not get a foothold in the match, fashioning only two break points but not taking any. Murray also emphasized that he had little expectations for the tournament, so it's not surprising that he lost in the first round.
"Disappointed. I knew it was gonna be a tough match. Stan played brilliant tennis over the years on that court and I think he did that today. Gave me very little opportunities. Would have like to have done better but my expectations weren’t high."
Although Andy Murray's singles campaign is over, he remains in the doubles competition. On Tuesday, he will partner with compatriot Daniel Evans when they will play the South American pair of Sebastian Baez and Thiago Seyboth Wild. If he loses that one, he will head back to the UK to prepare for his title defense at the Surbiton Trophy on grass.
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