Murray edged out by Gasquet on return

TENNIS: Scot makes comeback to singles action seven months after hip surgery

Andy Murray’s return to singles action after a seven-month absence ultimately ended in defeat as the former world number one shook off a little ring rust in Cincinnati.

The 32-year-old Scot’s first-round showdown against Frenchman Richard Gasquet at the Western and Southern Open resulted in a 6-4 6-4 reverse, but the outcome was only part of the story, with Murray attempting to revive his career after hip surgery.

Now pain-free and having returned to competitive action in doubles earlier this year, Murray understandably started slowly as he struggled to find a first serve and had to contend with Gasquet’s determination to test his mobility at every opportunity.

In the event, Murray – who has signalled his intention to play in the singles at next month’s Zhuhai Championships and China Open – lost the match but showed flashes of his best form as he warmed to his task.

The twice Wimbledon and Olympic champion, who feared in January that his career could be over, surrendered his service in the opening game and came within a point of a 3-0 deficit before rallying to lead 3-2.

However, Gasquet tested him to the full, including with a series of drop shots, before taking the first set 6-4.

The second set started in much the same fashion, the Frenchman establishing a 2-0 lead, but Murray repeatedly threatened to break while holding his own service with increasing confidence, before eventually succumbing 6-4 once again.

Murray had last played singles on January 14 at the Australian Open, a five-set loss to Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain.

At the time Murray thought it might have been his last singles match but he underwent hip resurfacing surgery at the end of January and began his comeback in June by winning the doubles event at the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s Club with Feliciano Lopez.

He will renew his partnership with the Spaniard,who watched from the stands yesterday, when they take on American pair Jack Sock and Ryan Harrison in the doubles this week.

Murray is unlikely to make his grand slam singles return at the US Open starting on August 26 as he remains wary of competing over best-of-five sets so soon, but he has committed to the two events in China as he makes his way back.

Gasquet will next meet fourth seed Dominic Thiem.

Picture: Getty Images. Andy Murray acknowledges the crowd as he leaves court after his defeat.