WOE FOR ANDY

ANDY MURRAY’S Italian job has ended in defeat to the world No.212 in the final of the Biella Challenger.

The latest comeback by the world No.125 saw him easily beaten 6-2 6-4 by Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko in his fifth match in six days.

Murray (inset) ended last season in October because of a pelvic issue and was unable to travel to the Australian Open after testing positive for Covid-19.

His flat display saw him broken four times and Marchenko did not face a break point as he cruised to his eighth Challenger Tour title.

Murray, 33, had won both of their previous matches at the Australian Open in 2011 and 2017.

This defeat shows the task ahead of the Scot as he strives to return to the top of the game. He had entered a second Challenger event in Biella this week but his next event could now be on the full ATP Tour in Montpellier next week if he secures a wildcard.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic claimed he is risking long-term injury by playing through the pain barrier to defend his Australian Open title. The world No.1 took painkillers for his abdominal injury before beating Milos Raonic 7-6 4-6 6-1 6-4 for his 300th Grand Slam singles win.

The Serb said: “It’s a gamble. With a high dose of painkillers I can bear some of the pain.

“But painkillers hide what’s really happening. So you might not feel it but then the big damage might be done.”