PARIS: Andy Murray advanced to the second round of the ATP Challenger event in Bordeaux as his opponent, Kyrian Jacquet, retired at the onset of the second set. With Murray leading 7-5 2-0, the Frenchman, ranked 219th in the world, made the decision to withdraw.
Murray, who was staging a comeback from ruptured ankle ligaments sustained at the Miami Open in March, chose rehabilitation over surgery in order to hasten his recovery, aiming to compete at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Paris Olympics later in the summer.
Despite the premature end to the match, the crowd in Bordeaux serenaded Murray with a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ as he celebrated his 37th birthday. His next opponent will be Gregoire Barrere, who defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 6-2. Murray mentioned his intention not to extend his career beyond this summer, though he has yet to disclose the venue of his final tournament. Meanwhile, British number three Dan Evans, seeded fifth, also advanced to the next round after defeating Hugo Grenier of France 6-4 6-4.
