Murray loses in second round at Rennes

Ex-world No 1 Andy Murray was knocked out in the last-16 of the second-tier Challenger in Rennes as the three-time major winner continued his search for late-season momentum.

Murray, now down at 116 in the world, lost to 158th-ranked Roman Safiullin of Russia, 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.

The 34-year-old Murray, pushed to the brink of retirement in 2019 by a hip injury, managed to save three match points before succumbing.

Murray had defeated Germany’s Yannick Maden 6-3, 6-1 in the first round on Monday in front of around 2,000 fans.