Evans also knocked out

ANDY MURRAY’S run at the Stockholm Open was ended by Tommy Paul last night.

The former world No.1 missed out on a first ATP Tour semi-final appearance in two years after going down to the American 6-2 3-6 6-3.

His defeat also followed the exit of Dan Evans, right.

Evans’ loss to another American, Frances Tiafoe, ended the prospect of an all-British clash.

And hours later Murray was unable to maintain the nation’s interest in the event.

Murray produced one of his best performances since undergoing hip surgery in early 2019 to defeat top seed Jannik Sinner in the previous round.

But he was unable to keep up the momentum against Paul.

The 34-year-old struggled to cope with the weight and depth of his opponent’s groundstrokes when he was outplayed in the opening set, twice losing serve.

Paul was performing at the top of his game and Murray was forced to work hard before being rewarded for his patience as he took a gruelling second set.

His tenacity once again came to the fore as he fought back to force a decider.

But at 4-3 down, Murray double-faulted – his first of the match – before Paul served out for victory.

Murray is now set to end his year and focus on preparing for the 2022 season.

Fourth seed Evans had looked to be on course for his third semi-final of the year after taking a one-set lead against Tiafoe.

But the American upped his levels to win 1-6 6-1 6-1 and end the ATP Tour season for Evans.

Evans had arrived in Sweden on the back of successive first-round exits at his previous two events – and having been overtaken by Indian Wells champion Cameron

Norrie as the No.1 player in Britain.

But he ends his individual campaign for the year with a maiden title and the boost of having reached a fourth quarterfinal here.

Evans will now play for Great Britain in the Davis Cup finals later this month.

It was also announced yesterday that Evans will be facing Murray on the opening day of the Battle of the Brits – Scotland v England – on December 21 in Aberdeen.

The provisional schedule for the two-day tournament will also feature Kyle Edmund playing his first matches for more than a year following an operation on his knee.

The Battle of the Brits series was created by Murray’s brother Jamie last year during the Covid19 pandemic.