Murray’s new year starts with setback, Nadal through
DOHA— Wimbledon champion Andy Murray warned of "bumps along the road" during his comeback from injury and his words proved prophetic as he began the new year with a stunning second-round loss in the Qatar Open.
Murray led by a set and 3-0 and yet lost 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 to Florian Mayer, the world number 40 from Germany, who seemed more surprised than anyone at how the contest turned around.
It was only Murray's second match on the tour after a back operation and a four-month absence, but for about an hour his lack of match practice had hardly seemed a problem as he took charge.
Then Mayer attacked more, Murray tired, and everything changed.
"It was amazing," said Mayer. "To be honest in my mind the match was finished. I don't know how I came back. I played fantastic tennis. In the third set maybe he was injured, but I played well."
Murray however admitted to no injuries during the one hour 51minute encounter, and whatever his physical discomfort it did not prevent him playing doubles later in the day.
"I am stiff and sore but that's to be expected," he claimed. "It's more the joints rather than muscles. I have to get used to changing direction and playing at this level.
" I didn't have high expectations because I have not had many matches. I was playing well and moving well at the beginning."
It was nevertheless "a good day," Murray concluded. " I lost two matches but got through without any niggles or injuries."
For a while it seemed the biggest upset of all was possible, with world number one Rafael Nadal taken to three sets against another German in Tobias Kamke.
The qualifier played well before going down 6-3, 6- 7( 3- 7), 6- 3 against the legendary Spaniard.
" He took risks and played very well," said Nadal. "But I had a lot of chances with my return and hope to make a few more tomorrow (Thursday).
"I don't know if I can win the tournament. Yesterday ( against Lukas Rosol) was tough, today was tough, and it is difficult to think about winning titles when you are in the quarterfinals. But I am very happy to be there."
Nadal, who has never won this title in five attempts, next faces Ernests Gulbis, the seventh-seeded Latvian.
They are the only seeds remaining after fifth seed Richard Gasquet, struggling with a back strain, lost 6-2, 7-5 to his French compatriot Gael Monfils, a former finalist in Doha, in Wednesday's last match.