Great Britain's Andy Murray fought back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday (March 20) in the first round of the Miami Open.

Murray swatted nine aces to Berrettini's eight, saved 4 of 5 break points and never trailed following the first set. He is a two-time champion at the event, having won in 2009 and 2013.

"It was obviously a great win for me," Murray said.

Berrettini, who was playing on a protected ranking, needed medical attention in the second set after feeling dizzy. A doctor took his blood pressure, and play eventually resumed.

Also playing on a protected ranking, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov toppled Italy's Luciano Darderi 6-3 6-7(3) 6-4 to advance to the second round.

And American wild card Martin Damm upset Zhizhen Zhang of China in two sets that went to tiebreak, 7-6(2) 7-6(3).

<h2>Women's draw</h2>

Only 11 players have completed the "Sunshine Double", winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open back-to-back, but world number one Iga Swiatek comes to Florida looking to join an even more exclusive club of those that have managed a double-double.

Only two men, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, have won the double more than once while Steffi Graf (1994 and 1996) remains the only woman.

The top-seeded Pole, who snatched her first double in 2022, could find herself in elite company if she can hoist the Miami trophy again and few are betting against her.

Swiatek completed the first leg of the double in imperious style on Sunday (March 17), steam-rolling to the Indian Wells title without dropping a set, capping off her tournament with a 6-4 6-0 drubbing of Maria Sakkari.

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But having just arrived in Miami and not yet set foot on a court, Swiatek is taking a cautious approach.

“It’s not easy to come from Indian Wells and play here in such humidity. But I have all new positive thoughts. And honestly, I'm really happy with what I really achieved at the beginning of the season. So, I'm really kind of taking it easy, step by step, and I'll see how it's going to look like,” she said in an interview on Wednesday (March 20).

Meanwhile, world number three and Florida native, Coco Gauff will be trying to capitalize at her home tournament.

Gauff, who lost to Sakkari in the Indian Wells semi-finals, can count on plenty of crowd support as she returns to Miami for the first time since her triumph at last year's U.S. Open.

Great Britain's Andy Murray fought back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday (March 20) in the first round of the Miami Open. Murray swatted nine aces to Berrettini's eight, saved 4 of 5 break points and never trailed following the first set.

Great Britain's Andy Murray fought back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday (March 20) in the first round of the Miami Open. Murray swatted nine aces to Berrettini's eight, saved 4 of 5 break points and never trailed following the first set. He is a two-time champion at the event, having won in 2009 and 2013. "It was obviously a great win for me," Murray said. Berrettini, who was playing on a protected ranking, needed medical attention in the second set after feeling dizzy. A doctor took his blood pressure, and play eventually resumed. Also playing on a protected ranking, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov toppled Italy's Luciano Darderi 6-3 6-7(3) 6-4 to advance to the second round. And American wild card Martin Damm upset Zhizhen Zhang of China in two sets that went to tiebreak, 7-6(2) 7-6(3). Women's draw Only 11 players have completed the "Sunshine Double", winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open back-to-back, but world number one Iga Swiatek comes to Florida looking to join an even more exclusive club of those that have managed a double-double. Only two men, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, have won the double more than once while Steffi Graf (1994 and 1996) remains the only woman. The top-seeded Pole, who snatched her first double in 2022, could find herself in elite company if she can hoist the Miami trophy again and few are betting against her. Swiatek completed the first leg of the double in imperious style on Sunday (March 17), steam-rolling to the Indian Wells title without dropping a set, capping off her tournament with a 6-4 6-0 drubbing of Maria Sakkari. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans announce Sandeep Warrier as Mohammed Shami's replacement But having just arrived in Miami and not yet set foot on a court, Swiatek is taking a cautious approach. “It’s not easy to come from Indian Wells and play here in such humidity. But I have all new positive thoughts. And honestly, I'm really happy with what I really achieved at the beginning of the season. So, I'm really kind of taking it easy, step by step, and I'll see how it's going to look like,” she said in an interview on Wednesday (March 20). Meanwhile, world number three and Florida native, Coco Gauff will be trying to capitalize at her home tournament. Gauff, who lost to Sakkari in the Indian Wells semi-finals, can count on plenty of crowd support as she returns to Miami for the first time since her triumph at last year's U.S. Open.

Tennis: Andy Murray beats Matteo Berrettini to advance in Miami Open, Denis Shapovalov in next round

Andy Murray said players must be more careful about how they treat officials as "lines have probably been crossed" in recent years, and pointed to rugby as an example of how to interact with them respectfully. The former world number one was speaking at Indian Wells where he is set to meet Andrey Rublev, who was defaulted in Dubai last week after an official said he used an obscenity towards a line judge.

The Russian denied the accusation and later successfully appealed the decision. "All of us players - and I think I've been guilty of it myself - we need to be a little bit careful of the way that we speak to and treat officials," Murray said. "I understand in the heat of battle and stuff, sometimes things happen. But for the last four or five years, there has been a number of instances where lines have probably been crossed and maybe not enough has been done about it."

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The ATP had warned of stricter punishments for on-court misconduct in 2022 after Alexander Zverev was thrown out of an event in Acapulco for smashing his racket against the umpire's chair and a series of angry outbursts by Nick Kyrgios.

"We all probably need to have a bit of a look at ourselves and go, 'Is this really the way that we want to be dealing with officials, with bad line calls and things?' Murray added. "Rugby is a great example for how to deal with officials. Everything is dealt with respectfully. We probably could do a better job with it in tennis as well."

Andy Murray said players must be more careful about how they treat officials as "lines have probably been crossed" in recent years, and pointed to rugby as an example of how to interact with them respectfully.

Andy Murray said players must be more careful about how they treat officials as "lines have probably been crossed" in recent years, and pointed to rugby as an example of how to interact with them respectfully. The former world number one was speaking at Indian Wells where he is set to meet Andrey Rublev, who was defaulted in Dubai last week after an official said he used an obscenity towards a line judge. The Russian denied the accusation and later successfully appealed the decision. "All of us players - and I think I've been guilty of it myself - we need to be a little bit careful of the way that we speak to and treat officials," Murray said. "I understand in the heat of battle and stuff, sometimes things happen. But for the last four or five years, there has been a number of instances where lines have probably been crossed and maybe not enough has been done about it." Also read: Tennis: Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu and Caroline Wozniacki reach Indian Wells second round The ATP had warned of stricter punishments for on-court misconduct in 2022 after Alexander Zverev was thrown out of an event in Acapulco for smashing his racket against the umpire's chair and a series of angry outbursts by Nick Kyrgios. "We all probably need to have a bit of a look at ourselves and go, 'Is this really the way that we want to be dealing with officials, with bad line calls and things?' Murray added. "Rugby is a great example for how to deal with officials. Everything is dealt with respectfully. We probably could do a better job with it in tennis as well."

Former world number one Andy Murray says tennis should follow rugby's lead in the way players treat officials

Andy Murray hinted that this could be his last season after he recorded his 500th hardcourt win with a 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 victory over Canada's Denis Shapovalov in the first round of the Dubai&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Championships on Monday. Murray joined Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi and Rafa Nadal as the only players to reach the 500th tour-level win milestone on the surface in the professional era.

"Obviously hardcourt has been a great surface for me over the years and 500 is a lot of matches so I'm very proud of that," Murray said. "There aren't many players that have done that, so, great to get to 500 before I'm done."

It was just the second win this year for the 36-year-old who suffered a first round exit at the recent Australian Open, and Murray has failed to go beyond the third round of a Grand Slam since reaching the Wimbledon quarters in 2017.

Murray, former world number one and winner of three Grand Slam singles titles, lost his second round match in Qatar last week to 18-year-old Jakub Mensik, and during the defeat he appeared to shout "this game is not for me anymore".

He played down those comments after Monday's win in Dubai, but admitted that the end of his career could be near.

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"People read a lot into what I say on the court sometimes and it's not always rational," he said. "I still love competing, I still love the game. It gets harder and harder the older you get to compete with the young guys."It's not easy, I probably don't have too long left but I'll do the best that I can these last few months."

Last month after another first round exit in Montpellier, Murray responded to a BBC article in which a journalist questioned whether his bravely soldering on will damage his legacy. ""Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour," Murray responded on social media platform X. "Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I'm not most people and my mind works differently," he added. "I won't quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I'm capable of."

Andy Murray hinted that this could be his last season after he recorded his 500th hardcourt win with a 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 victory over Canada's Denis Shapovalov in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday.

Andy Murray hinted that this could be his last season after he recorded his 500th hardcourt win with a 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 victory over Canada's Denis Shapovalov in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday. Murray joined Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi and Rafa Nadal as the only players to reach the 500th tour-level win milestone on the surface in the professional era. "Obviously hardcourt has been a great surface for me over the years and 500 is a lot of matches so I'm very proud of that," Murray said. "There aren't many players that have done that, so, great to get to 500 before I'm done." It was just the second win this year for the 36-year-old who suffered a first round exit at the recent Australian Open, and Murray has failed to go beyond the third round of a Grand Slam since reaching the Wimbledon quarters in 2017. Murray, former world number one and winner of three Grand Slam singles titles, lost his second round match in Qatar last week to 18-year-old Jakub Mensik, and during the defeat he appeared to shout "this game is not for me anymore". He played down those comments after Monday's win in Dubai, but admitted that the end of his career could be near. Also read: Premier League: Jarrod Bowen hits hat-trick as West Ham sink Brentford to end barren run "People read a lot into what I say on the court sometimes and it's not always rational," he said. "I still love competing, I still love the game. It gets harder and harder the older you get to compete with the young guys."It's not easy, I probably don't have too long left but I'll do the best that I can these last few months." Last month after another first round exit in Montpellier, Murray responded to a BBC article in which a journalist questioned whether his bravely soldering on will damage his legacy. ""Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour," Murray responded on social media platform X. "Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I'm not most people and my mind works differently," he added. "I won't quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I'm capable of."

Tennis: Andy Murray drops retirement hint after 500th hard-court victory in Dubai

Andy Murray is not having the best of runs at present. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion,&nbsp;lost in the opening round of his 2023 season-opening tournament in Brisbane to Grigor Dimitrov and went down to 32nd seed Martin Tomas Etcheverry in the first round of the Australian Open early this month. On Tuesday (Jan 31), he suffered a third-round exit&nbsp;at Open Sud de France in Montpellier. Thus, talks of his retirement have been doing the rounds. After his recent loss, a newspaper coloumn wrote on Murray's&nbsp;decision to continue playing despite lack of consistency.&nbsp;

Murray, on Tuesday (Jan 30), responded to the newspaper coloumn with a hard-hitting post. He wrote, "Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour. I’m in a terrible moment right now I’ll give you that. Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I’m not most people and my mind works differently. I won’t quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I’m capable of." Moreover, American veteran Andy Roddick joined in and backed Murray as well.&nbsp;

Roddick, former US Open champion, wrote on X, "Preach! Imagine telling an accomplished iconic adult your opinion on what they should choose for work and when they should do it. This is such a dumb, thirsty article. Can’t take a legacy away. Accomplishment lives forever."

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Here is Murray and Roddick's reaction to the opinion piece on BBC:

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Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour. I’m in a terrible moment right now I’ll give you that. Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I’m not most people and my mind works differently. I won’t quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the… <a href="https://t.co/nF0var6IfL">https://t.co/nF0var6IfL</a>
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray/status/1752416171511476557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Preach! Imagine telling an accomplished iconic adult your opinion on what they should choose for work and when they should do it …. This is such a dumb, thirsty article. Can’t take a legacy away. Accomplishment lives forever
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) <a href="https://twitter.com/andyroddick/status/1752422901750628708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Murray returned to the court after surgery for his recurring hip injury in 2019. Since then, he has not won any major tournament but has made his presence felt. In 2022, he clawed his way back into the top 50 rankings for the first time since 2018. In 2023, he didn't have much success but displayed his grit, determination and&nbsp;demonstrated his enduring fighting spirit by being engaged in some lengthy and thrilling games. While he has already hinted at 2024 to be his final year, the veteran will be eager to move past his recent failures and stage a strong comeback sooner than later in the calendar year.

Andy Murray is not having the best of runs at present. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, lost in the opening round of his 2023 season-opening tournament in Brisbane to Grigor Dimitrov and went down to 32nd seed Martin Tomas Etcheverry in the first round of the Australian Open early this month.

Andy Murray is not having the best of runs at present. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, lost in the opening round of his 2023 season-opening tournament in Brisbane to Grigor Dimitrov and went down to 32nd seed Martin Tomas Etcheverry in the first round of the Australian Open early this month. On Tuesday (Jan 31), he suffered a third-round exit at Open Sud de France in Montpellier. Thus, talks of his retirement have been doing the rounds. After his recent loss, a newspaper coloumn wrote on Murray's decision to continue playing despite lack of consistency. Murray, on Tuesday (Jan 30), responded to the newspaper coloumn with a hard-hitting post. He wrote, "Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour. I’m in a terrible moment right now I’ll give you that. Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I’m not most people and my mind works differently. I won’t quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I’m capable of." Moreover, American veteran Andy Roddick joined in and backed Murray as well. Roddick, former US Open champion, wrote on X, "Preach! Imagine telling an accomplished iconic adult your opinion on what they should choose for work and when they should do it. This is such a dumb, thirsty article. Can’t take a legacy away. Accomplishment lives forever." Also read: Australian Open 2024: Tennis needs the next generation, says Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner Here is Murray and Roddick's reaction to the opinion piece on BBC: Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour. I’m in a terrible moment right now I’ll give you that. Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I’m not most people and my mind works differently. I won’t quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the… https://t.co/nF0var6IfL — Andy Murray (@andy_murray) January 30, 2024 × Preach! Imagine telling an accomplished iconic adult your opinion on what they should choose for work and when they should do it …. This is such a dumb, thirsty article. Can’t take a legacy away. Accomplishment lives forever — andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 30, 2024 × Murray returned to the court after surgery for his recurring hip injury in 2019. Since then, he has not won any major tournament but has made his presence felt. In 2022, he clawed his way back into the top 50 rankings for the first time since 2018. In 2023, he didn't have much success but displayed his grit, determination and demonstrated his enduring fighting spirit by being engaged in some lengthy and thrilling games. While he has already hinted at 2024 to be his final year, the veteran will be eager to move past his recent failures and stage a strong comeback sooner than later in the calendar year.

Andy Murray hits back after legacy questioned in newspaper column, Andy Roddick joins in

The 16-year-old Russian tennis prodigy, Mirra Andreeva made heads turn with her stunning come-from-behind win over France's Diane&nbsp;Parry in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday (Jan 19). Trailing 1-5 in the third and final set, the teenager rose to the occasion and produced a comeback for the ages. She saved a match point at 2-5 before winning&nbsp;1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (5). Following her stunning victory, Andreeva received a huge compliment from three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray.&nbsp;

Murray took to his official account on X, formerly Twitter, to laud Andreeva. He&nbsp;wrote, "Andreeva down 5-1 in third. Commentator “she really needs to work on mental side of her game.. she’s too hard on herself when she’s losing” 30 minutes later 7-6 Andreeva wins. Maybe the reason she turned the match round is because of her mental strength. Maybe she turned the match around because she is hard on herself and demands more of herself when she’s losing/playing badly? Winner."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2024-jannik-sinner-storms-past-sebastian-baez-into-fourth-round-681508">Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner storms past Sebastian Baez into fourth round</a>

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Andreeva reacted to receiving such a big compliment from Murray -- who bowed out in the first round -- and&nbsp;said she would frame the tweet and hang it on her wall.

<h2>'I will&nbsp;print it out somehow. I don't know, I will put it in a frame'</h2>

After the win, the 16-year-old teenager said, "I didn't really think that he (Murray) would watch a match, then after he would tweet, he would comment something." She added, "Honestly, I will try to print it out somehow. I don't know, I will put it in a frame. I will bring it everywhere with me. I will maybe put it on the wall so I can see it every day."

Andreeva had earlier&nbsp;thrashed former world number two Ons Jabeur&nbsp;(6-0, 6-2) in her second round clash. Against Parry, she held her nerves and displayed&nbsp;her talent, and&nbsp;emotions, on the court to claim a hard-fought match; lasting over two hours. The Russian has&nbsp;become only the fourth woman to make it to the second week of Wimbledon and Australian Open as a teenager. She will take a lot of confidence from her latest win, and Murray's words of appreciation, going into the fourth round.&nbsp;

Andreeva's fourth-round clash will be held at the Melbourne Park on Sunday (Jan 21).&nbsp;

The 16-year-old Russian tennis prodigy, Mirra Andreeva made heads turn with her stunning come-from-behind win over France's Diane Parry in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday (Jan 19).

The 16-year-old Russian tennis prodigy, Mirra Andreeva made heads turn with her stunning come-from-behind win over France's Diane Parry in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday (Jan 19). Trailing 1-5 in the third and final set, the teenager rose to the occasion and produced a comeback for the ages. She saved a match point at 2-5 before winning 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (5). Following her stunning victory, Andreeva received a huge compliment from three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray. Murray took to his official account on X, formerly Twitter, to laud Andreeva. He wrote, "Andreeva down 5-1 in third. Commentator “she really needs to work on mental side of her game.. she’s too hard on herself when she’s losing” 30 minutes later 7-6 Andreeva wins. Maybe the reason she turned the match round is because of her mental strength. Maybe she turned the match around because she is hard on herself and demands more of herself when she’s losing/playing badly? Winner." Also read: Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner storms past Sebastian Baez into fourth round × Andreeva reacted to receiving such a big compliment from Murray -- who bowed out in the first round -- and said she would frame the tweet and hang it on her wall. 'I will print it out somehow. I don't know, I will put it in a frame' After the win, the 16-year-old teenager said, "I didn't really think that he (Murray) would watch a match, then after he would tweet, he would comment something." She added, "Honestly, I will try to print it out somehow. I don't know, I will put it in a frame. I will bring it everywhere with me. I will maybe put it on the wall so I can see it every day." Andreeva had earlier thrashed former world number two Ons Jabeur (6-0, 6-2) in her second round clash. Against Parry, she held her nerves and displayed her talent, and emotions, on the court to claim a hard-fought match; lasting over two hours. The Russian has become only the fourth woman to make it to the second week of Wimbledon and Australian Open as a teenager. She will take a lot of confidence from her latest win, and Murray's words of appreciation, going into the fourth round. Andreeva's fourth-round clash will be held at the Melbourne Park on Sunday (Jan 21).

Aus Open: Teenager Mirra Andreeva reacts to Andy Murray's tweet of appreciation after win over Diane Parry

Five-time finalist Andy Murray said Monday there was a "definite possibility" that he has played his final Australian Open after slumping at the first hurdle.

The 36-year-old put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute first set against Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, but the 30th seed overpowered him and won 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Murray had a frustrating end to 2023, winning just one match in his last four tournaments, and said previously that unless his form picked up the curtain could be coming down on his career.

"Yeah, it's a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here," he said. "In comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it's the complete opposite feeling walking off the court. Wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played. Tough, tough way to finish."

The British player, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and also took the US Open title in 2012, is part of a golden generation coming towards the end of trophy-laden careers.

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Roger Federer retired in 2022 and Rafael Nadal had an injury-blighted 2023 and is absent from the Australian Open with a muscle tear.

At 36, Djokovic is still hoping to add to his record haul of 24 Grand Slam titles before hanging up his racquet.

Murray said he had spoken to his family and coaching staff about when he might quit.

"They're very aware of how I feel about things, where I would like to finish playing, when that would be," he said. "I haven't made any definite decisions on that. Yeah, it's obviously something that I need to think about and see exactly when that is."

"It's not like it hasn't been something that's been on my mind."

He added that the time frame on when he will retire "narrows when you play and have results like today".

"I haven't gained in belief from today's match that at some stage I'm going to start playing really well again or winning tournaments or getting to the latter stages of major events."

Etcheverry, 12 years younger than his opponent, said Murray was one of his idols.

"Very tough for me playing with a legend like Andy," he said. "I just tried to play my game and focus on my points."

Murray's defeat deprived fans of a potential third-round clash against defending champion Djokovic.

To have a chance of facing the top seed, Etcheverry, who reached the French Open quarter-finals last year, must first get past another veteran, Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Five-time finalist Andy Murray said Monday there was a "definite possibility" that he has played his final Australian Open after slumping at the first hurdle. The 36-year-old put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute first set against Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, but the 30th seed overpowered him and won 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Five-time finalist Andy Murray said Monday there was a "definite possibility" that he has played his final Australian Open after slumping at the first hurdle. The 36-year-old put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute first set against Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, but the 30th seed overpowered him and won 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Murray had a frustrating end to 2023, winning just one match in his last four tournaments, and said previously that unless his form picked up the curtain could be coming down on his career. "Yeah, it's a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here," he said. "In comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it's the complete opposite feeling walking off the court. Wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played. Tough, tough way to finish." The British player, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and also took the US Open title in 2012, is part of a golden generation coming towards the end of trophy-laden careers. ALSO READ: Turkey court releases jailed Israeli footballer over Gaza war sign Roger Federer retired in 2022 and Rafael Nadal had an injury-blighted 2023 and is absent from the Australian Open with a muscle tear. At 36, Djokovic is still hoping to add to his record haul of 24 Grand Slam titles before hanging up his racquet. Murray said he had spoken to his family and coaching staff about when he might quit. "They're very aware of how I feel about things, where I would like to finish playing, when that would be," he said. "I haven't made any definite decisions on that. Yeah, it's obviously something that I need to think about and see exactly when that is." "It's not like it hasn't been something that's been on my mind." He added that the time frame on when he will retire "narrows when you play and have results like today". "I haven't gained in belief from today's match that at some stage I'm going to start playing really well again or winning tournaments or getting to the latter stages of major events." Etcheverry, 12 years younger than his opponent, said Murray was one of his idols. "Very tough for me playing with a legend like Andy," he said. "I just tried to play my game and focus on my points." Murray's defeat deprived fans of a potential third-round clash against defending champion Djokovic. To have a chance of facing the top seed, Etcheverry, who reached the French Open quarter-finals last year, must first get past another veteran, Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Andy Murray hints at retirement from Australian Open following first-round slump

Five-times runner-up Andy Murray and 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka have enjoyed plenty of deep runs at the Australian Open but the veteran pair were both dumped out in the first round on Monday. Murray fell 6-4 6-2 6-2 to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry while Wawrinka took 20th seed Adrian Mannarino to five sets before going down 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-3 6-0.

The last time Murray went out in the opening round of the Melbourne Park major was in 2019 when the Scot expressed doubts about his tennis future before going on to resurrect his career after having hip-resurfacing surgery. The 36-year-old twice Wimbledon champion has struggled to reach the latter stages at Grand Slams in recent years but dragged himself into the third round in Melbourne in 2023 with back-to-back five-sets wins.

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Wawrinka was the only player in the men's draw other than defending champion Novak Djokovic to have claimed the Melbourne Park trophy and the 38-year-old Swiss hoped Monday's loss would not be his final appearance at the Grand Slam. "I'll see how the year goes. It's just the beginning of the year," Wawrinka said. "In general, I'm quite positive with where I am right now. "Even after the loss, there is some good opportunity for me to keep pushing, keep playing some good results and hopefully I can come back next year."

<h2>DANIIL MEDVEDEV GETS A WALKOVER</h2>

AFP: Frenchman Terence Atmane smashed his racquet, served underarm and retired in tears as he dealt with serious cramp in pushing third seed Daniil Medvedev hard at the Australian Open on Monday. The qualifier struggled in the searing heat on Margaret Court Arena, stunning the Russian by taking the first set but was unable to continue when trailing 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0.

"The conditions were brutal," said two-time tournament finalist Medvedev. "The more he (Atmane) plays this intensity, the better he will be prepared."&nbsp; "I'm just happy to be through," he added. "I played bad at the beginning in the first set, but I was happy I could regain momentum."&nbsp;

Five-times runner-up Andy Murray and 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka have enjoyed plenty of deep runs at the Australian Open but the veteran pair were both dumped out in the first round on Monday.

Five-times runner-up Andy Murray and 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka have enjoyed plenty of deep runs at the Australian Open but the veteran pair were both dumped out in the first round on Monday. Murray fell 6-4 6-2 6-2 to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry while Wawrinka took 20th seed Adrian Mannarino to five sets before going down 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-3 6-0. The last time Murray went out in the opening round of the Melbourne Park major was in 2019 when the Scot expressed doubts about his tennis future before going on to resurrect his career after having hip-resurfacing surgery. The 36-year-old twice Wimbledon champion has struggled to reach the latter stages at Grand Slams in recent years but dragged himself into the third round in Melbourne in 2023 with back-to-back five-sets wins. Also read: Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev gets walkover win in opening round after opponent retires with cramps Wawrinka was the only player in the men's draw other than defending champion Novak Djokovic to have claimed the Melbourne Park trophy and the 38-year-old Swiss hoped Monday's loss would not be his final appearance at the Grand Slam. "I'll see how the year goes. It's just the beginning of the year," Wawrinka said. "In general, I'm quite positive with where I am right now. "Even after the loss, there is some good opportunity for me to keep pushing, keep playing some good results and hopefully I can come back next year." DANIIL MEDVEDEV GETS A WALKOVER AFP: Frenchman Terence Atmane smashed his racquet, served underarm and retired in tears as he dealt with serious cramp in pushing third seed Daniil Medvedev hard at the Australian Open on Monday. The qualifier struggled in the searing heat on Margaret Court Arena, stunning the Russian by taking the first set but was unable to continue when trailing 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0. "The conditions were brutal," said two-time tournament finalist Medvedev. "The more he (Atmane) plays this intensity, the better he will be prepared." "I'm just happy to be through," he added. "I played bad at the beginning in the first set, but I was happy I could regain momentum."

Tennis: Experienced campaigners Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka make early Australian Open exits

Former world number one and three-time major winner&nbsp;Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;pulled out of the Davis Cup finals on Saturday, depriving the tournament of a likely heavyweight clash against Novak Djokovic. "I have picked up a minor shoulder injury which means I won't be able to take part in the Davis Cup," the 36-year-old British star was quoted as saying by the ITF on X, formerly Twitter.

"I'm gutted not to be able to be part of the squad but my focus is now on rehab and getting ready for the new season." Britain will face Djokovic's Serbia in the quarter-finals in Malaga in the November 21-28 final phase of the Davis Cup.

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The rest of the last-eight features defending champions Canada against Finland, Czech Republic tackle Australia while Italy face the Netherlands.

Murray&nbsp;led Britain to the Davis Cup title in 2015 while current world number one and record 24-time Grand Slam title winner Djokovic starred in Serbia's 2010 victory.

Former world number one and three-time major winner Andy Murray pulled out of the Davis Cup finals on Saturday, depriving the tournament of a likely heavyweight clash against Novak Djokovic.

Former world number one and three-time major winner Andy Murray pulled out of the Davis Cup finals on Saturday, depriving the tournament of a likely heavyweight clash against Novak Djokovic. "I have picked up a minor shoulder injury which means I won't be able to take part in the Davis Cup," the 36-year-old British star was quoted as saying by the ITF on X, formerly Twitter. "I'm gutted not to be able to be part of the squad but my focus is now on rehab and getting ready for the new season." Britain will face Djokovic's Serbia in the quarter-finals in Malaga in the November 21-28 final phase of the Davis Cup. Also Read: Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top The rest of the last-eight features defending champions Canada against Finland, Czech Republic tackle Australia while Italy face the Netherlands. Murray led Britain to the Davis Cup title in 2015 while current world number one and record 24-time Grand Slam title winner Djokovic starred in Serbia's 2010 victory.

Tennis: Three-times major winner Andy Murray out of Davis Cup due to clash with Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios has revealed his gratitude to Andy Murray for spotting signs of self-harming as the Australian tennis star said he had an "addiction of pain" during a "dark" time in his life.

Kyrgios has opened up about the mental health struggles he suffered in recent years and revealed in a Netflix documentary he had spent time in a psychiatric hospital after losing at Wimbledon in 2019.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray has consistently been a supporter of Kyrgios, despite the latter being dogged by a series of on and off-court controversies,&nbsp;Last year Kyrgios' mother revealed how Murray had spotted the signs of her son self-harming before she did.

“Andy was always&nbsp;a big supporter of me,”&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;told TalkTV in an interview with Piers Morgan. "As soon as I came on the tour, he kind of saw a work in progress and took me under his wing. Then he realised later in my career that I don’t think I was coachable or I was on my own path, but he was always someone that was looking out for me.

"He saw it (the self-harm) and he said, ‘What’s that on your arm?’ It was pretty bad at that stage. I'd be in the locker room and people would be able to see my self-harm. So I could only imagine what people would think when they were actually versing me on the tennis court. They're like, ‘Wow, this guy's mentally in a storm at the moment and he's still trying to play’.&nbsp;

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"Andy obviously was trying to give me advice on it. But I was just so stuck in my ways at that time that I didn’t listen. Obviously I’m very thankful. I thank him a lot." Kyrgios went on to describe the extent of his self-harming, even while playing successfully on the ATP Tour. "I think it was a year-and-a-half to two years of just complete harm. It was pretty dark to be honest," he added.

"I won tournaments on the professional tour, drinking every night, self-harming, burning things on my arm, cutting myself for fun. It became an addiction of pain. I hated myself. I hated waking up and being Nick Kyrgios." Since going public about his mental health struggles, Kyrgios has been contacted by others suffering similar situations through social media and described his role in helping them as the "most powerful thing" he has done in his career.

"That’s been the most powerful thing in my career; people coming to me with genuine issues," said the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. "They send me photos in my Instagram, direct messages, self-harming and genuinely wanting to commit suicide. I have conversations with these people. Sometimes I’ve had phone calls with these people. That’s making a real difference and I’m just really proud."

Nick Kyrgios has revealed his gratitude to Andy Murray for spotting signs of self-harming as the Australian tennis star said he had an "addiction of pain" during a "dark" time in his life.

Nick Kyrgios has revealed his gratitude to Andy Murray for spotting signs of self-harming as the Australian tennis star said he had an "addiction of pain" during a "dark" time in his life. Kyrgios has opened up about the mental health struggles he suffered in recent years and revealed in a Netflix documentary he had spent time in a psychiatric hospital after losing at Wimbledon in 2019. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray has consistently been a supporter of Kyrgios, despite the latter being dogged by a series of on and off-court controversies, Last year Kyrgios' mother revealed how Murray had spotted the signs of her son self-harming before she did. “Andy was always a big supporter of me,” Kyrgios told TalkTV in an interview with Piers Morgan. "As soon as I came on the tour, he kind of saw a work in progress and took me under his wing. Then he realised later in my career that I don’t think I was coachable or I was on my own path, but he was always someone that was looking out for me. "He saw it (the self-harm) and he said, ‘What’s that on your arm?’ It was pretty bad at that stage. I'd be in the locker room and people would be able to see my self-harm. So I could only imagine what people would think when they were actually versing me on the tennis court. They're like, ‘Wow, this guy's mentally in a storm at the moment and he's still trying to play’. Also Read: Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini bids farewell to Shandong Taishan "Andy obviously was trying to give me advice on it. But I was just so stuck in my ways at that time that I didn’t listen. Obviously I’m very thankful. I thank him a lot." Kyrgios went on to describe the extent of his self-harming, even while playing successfully on the ATP Tour. "I think it was a year-and-a-half to two years of just complete harm. It was pretty dark to be honest," he added. "I won tournaments on the professional tour, drinking every night, self-harming, burning things on my arm, cutting myself for fun. It became an addiction of pain. I hated myself. I hated waking up and being Nick Kyrgios." Since going public about his mental health struggles, Kyrgios has been contacted by others suffering similar situations through social media and described his role in helping them as the "most powerful thing" he has done in his career. "That’s been the most powerful thing in my career; people coming to me with genuine issues," said the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. "They send me photos in my Instagram, direct messages, self-harming and genuinely wanting to commit suicide. I have conversations with these people. Sometimes I’ve had phone calls with these people. That’s making a real difference and I’m just really proud."

Tennis: Nick Kyrgios thanks Andy Murray for helping him deal with mental health issues

Andy Murray has parted ways with his long-time coach Ivan Lendl for a third time, the former world number one said on Friday.

Lendl helped the 36-year-old Murray to his three Grand Slam titles and teamed up with the British player again last year.

Their latest split was mutual, they said.

"Ivan has been by my side at the biggest moments in my career and I can't thank him enough for all that he's helped me achieve," Murray said. "He's a unique character, who understands what it takes to win and I've learnt an awful lot over the years from him."

Murray first hired Lendl in 2011 and made his breakthrough the year after when he won the Olympic gold medal before claiming his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.

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A year later Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years.

They split in 2014 but eight-time Grand Slam winner Lendl returned in 2016 with Murray winning his second Wimbledon title and second Olympic gold and becoming world number one for the first time.

Murray began working with Lendl again last year as he continued to try and revive former glories after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, but has suffered a frustrating season as his long wait to get past the third round at a Grand Slam continued.

The last time Murray went further than that was in 2017, shortly before the end of his second stint with Lendl.

"I will look back with some great memories of the time Andy and I worked together," Lendl said. "He's as hard a worker as there is and the sport is better because of him. I wish him only the best in the years to come."

British pair Mark Hilton and Jonny O'Mara, who have been working with Murray alongside Lendl this year, will continue to work with the Scot.

Andy Murray has parted ways with his long-time coach Ivan Lendl for a third time, the former world number one said on Friday. Lendl helped the 36-year-old Murray to his three Grand Slam titles and teamed up with the British player again last year.

Andy Murray has parted ways with his long-time coach Ivan Lendl for a third time, the former world number one said on Friday. Lendl helped the 36-year-old Murray to his three Grand Slam titles and teamed up with the British player again last year. Their latest split was mutual, they said. "Ivan has been by my side at the biggest moments in my career and I can't thank him enough for all that he's helped me achieve," Murray said. "He's a unique character, who understands what it takes to win and I've learnt an awful lot over the years from him." Murray first hired Lendl in 2011 and made his breakthrough the year after when he won the Olympic gold medal before claiming his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open. ALSO READ: Barcelona are in a dip, not a crisis: Coach Xavi on team's latest slump A year later Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years. They split in 2014 but eight-time Grand Slam winner Lendl returned in 2016 with Murray winning his second Wimbledon title and second Olympic gold and becoming world number one for the first time. Murray began working with Lendl again last year as he continued to try and revive former glories after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, but has suffered a frustrating season as his long wait to get past the third round at a Grand Slam continued. The last time Murray went further than that was in 2017, shortly before the end of his second stint with Lendl. "I will look back with some great memories of the time Andy and I worked together," Lendl said. "He's as hard a worker as there is and the sport is better because of him. I wish him only the best in the years to come." British pair Mark Hilton and Jonny O'Mara, who have been working with Murray alongside Lendl this year, will continue to work with the Scot.

Tennis veteran Andy Murray parts ways with long-time coach Ivan Lendl for third time

The Australian Open said Tuesday it is adding a day to become a 15-day event in an effort to curb late-night matches after Briton Andy Murray notably played until 4:05 am.

The annual Melbourne-based tournament, the first of Four Grand Slam contests each year, will now start a day earlier on a Sunday.

"We have listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.

"The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike."&nbsp;

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The Australian Open did not specifically mention Murray's late-night match in Melbourne this year, which set off public debate about the tournament's schedule.

Murray memorably asked during his epic five-set victory: "Why are we playing at 3 am?"

His five-hour, 45-minute match against Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis finally ended at 4:05 am.

"It's not beneficial for the umpires, the officials. I don't think it's amazing for the fans. It's not good for the players," he said after the match in January.

The Australian Open said data showed matches are now longer.

Next year's tournament will be played from January 14-28.

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The Australian Open said Tuesday it is adding a day to become a 15-day event in an effort to curb late-night matches after Briton Andy Murray notably played until 4:05 am.

The Australian Open said Tuesday it is adding a day to become a 15-day event in an effort to curb late-night matches after Briton Andy Murray notably played until 4:05 am. The annual Melbourne-based tournament, the first of Four Grand Slam contests each year, will now start a day earlier on a Sunday. "We have listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said. "The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike." Also read | Tennis: World number two Iga Swiatek on board with WTA's performance byes The Australian Open did not specifically mention Murray's late-night match in Melbourne this year, which set off public debate about the tournament's schedule. Murray memorably asked during his epic five-set victory: "Why are we playing at 3 am?" His five-hour, 45-minute match against Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis finally ended at 4:05 am. "It's not beneficial for the umpires, the officials. I don't think it's amazing for the fans. It's not good for the players," he said after the match in January. The Australian Open said data showed matches are now longer. Next year's tournament will be played from January 14-28. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian Open: Grand Slam extended to 15 days. Know why

Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;pulled out of the Cincinnati Open late on Monday as the Briton continues to recover from an abdominal strain in a bid to compete in the U.S. Open that begins later this month. Murray, 36, withdrew from last week's Canadian Open before his round of 16 clash with eventual champion Jannik Sinner due to the issue he picked up after spending nearly five hours on court in wins over Lorenzo Sonego and Max Purcell.

The three-times Grand Slam champion and former world number one travelled to Cincinnati where he hoped to be fit in time to face Russian Karen Khachanov but he will now be replaced by a lucky loser, men's tennis governing body ATP said. Murray&nbsp;is currently number 36 in the world - his highest ranking since hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 - and was named in Britain's Davis Cup team for their Finals group stage ties that will take place after the Aug. 28-Sept. 10 U.S. Open.

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<h2>Venus Williams upsets Veroninka Kudermetova in Cincinnati Open</h2>

Venus Williams scored a straight sets upset of 16th seed Veroninka Kudermetova at the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Open on Monday, bagging her first win over a top 20 player in four years. The 43-year-old American veteran, who was granted a wild card into this week's tournament, rallied superbly to polish off Kudermetova 6-4, 7-5. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, whose career has spanned four different decades, showed great heart to recover from 4-1 down in the opening set before overturning a 5-1 deficit in the second to seal victory.

"I love this game, it's what I do," Williams said in on-court remarks after her victory against the Russian world number 14. "The last few years have been difficult in terms of injuries," Williams added.&nbsp; "I want to be able to be out here and be strong, and be myself and that's important to me, and I'm trying to get there." Williams, a semi-finalist at Cincinnati in 2012, saw her match interrupted by rain before she completed her victory.&nbsp;

In other women's matches on Monday, 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens marked her 12th appearance with a 7-5, 6-2 defeat of Italian Elisabetta&nbsp;Cocciaretto. (Inputs from agencies)

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Andy Murray pulled out of the Cincinnati Open late on Monday as the Briton continues to recover from an abdominal strain in a bid to compete in the U.S. Open that begins later this month.

Andy Murray pulled out of the Cincinnati Open late on Monday as the Briton continues to recover from an abdominal strain in a bid to compete in the U.S. Open that begins later this month. Murray, 36, withdrew from last week's Canadian Open before his round of 16 clash with eventual champion Jannik Sinner due to the issue he picked up after spending nearly five hours on court in wins over Lorenzo Sonego and Max Purcell. The three-times Grand Slam champion and former world number one travelled to Cincinnati where he hoped to be fit in time to face Russian Karen Khachanov but he will now be replaced by a lucky loser, men's tennis governing body ATP said. Murray is currently number 36 in the world - his highest ranking since hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 - and was named in Britain's Davis Cup team for their Finals group stage ties that will take place after the Aug. 28-Sept. 10 U.S. Open. Also read: Tennis: Venus Williams upsets 16th seed Veroninka Kudermetova in Cincinnati Open Venus Williams upsets Veroninka Kudermetova in Cincinnati Open Venus Williams scored a straight sets upset of 16th seed Veroninka Kudermetova at the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Open on Monday, bagging her first win over a top 20 player in four years. The 43-year-old American veteran, who was granted a wild card into this week's tournament, rallied superbly to polish off Kudermetova 6-4, 7-5. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, whose career has spanned four different decades, showed great heart to recover from 4-1 down in the opening set before overturning a 5-1 deficit in the second to seal victory. "I love this game, it's what I do," Williams said in on-court remarks after her victory against the Russian world number 14. "The last few years have been difficult in terms of injuries," Williams added. "I want to be able to be out here and be strong, and be myself and that's important to me, and I'm trying to get there." Williams, a semi-finalist at Cincinnati in 2012, saw her match interrupted by rain before she completed her victory. In other women's matches on Monday, 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens marked her 12th appearance with a 7-5, 6-2 defeat of Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto. (Inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Abdominal strain forces three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray out of Cincinnati

Andy Murray said he hopes world number one Carlos Alcaraz can follow his instincts and continue playing&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;with freedom and fearlessness, even if that approach appears a bit 'kamikaze'&nbsp;at times. Murray predicted two years ago that the reigning U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion was destined for success, and this week the former world number one said there was more to the 20-year-old's game than his power and technical ability.

"The thing that I love about watching him is the freedom that he plays with, and part of that is youth, I think. I just hope he doesn't lose that," Murray said on the ATP website during the Canadian Open. "Sometimes it looks a little bit kamikaze, but he just is totally instinctive. And I love that." Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray said he was convinced Alcaraz would have a glittering career after a conversation with the Spaniard's coach Juan Carlos Ferrero when the youngster was still outside the top 50 in the world.

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"I asked Ferrero, 'Does he love&nbsp;tennis? Does he work hard?'," Murray said, adding that former world number one Ferrero assured him Alcaraz was "really good with that stuff". "That was enough for me, having seen his game and hearing from his coach and someone who knows what hard work is like that he was going to go on potentially to have a great career."

Both Murray and Alcaraz are in action in Toronto this week as they gear up for the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 28.

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Andy Murray said he hopes world number one Carlos Alcaraz can follow his instincts and continue playing tennis with freedom and fearlessness, even if that approach appears a bit 'kamikaze' at times.

Andy Murray said he hopes world number one Carlos Alcaraz can follow his instincts and continue playing tennis with freedom and fearlessness, even if that approach appears a bit 'kamikaze' at times. Murray predicted two years ago that the reigning U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion was destined for success, and this week the former world number one said there was more to the 20-year-old's game than his power and technical ability. "The thing that I love about watching him is the freedom that he plays with, and part of that is youth, I think. I just hope he doesn't lose that," Murray said on the ATP website during the Canadian Open. "Sometimes it looks a little bit kamikaze, but he just is totally instinctive. And I love that." Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray said he was convinced Alcaraz would have a glittering career after a conversation with the Spaniard's coach Juan Carlos Ferrero when the youngster was still outside the top 50 in the world. Also read: Tennis: Caroline Wozniacki comeback halted by Marketa Vondrousova at WTA Montreal Open "I asked Ferrero, 'Does he love tennis? Does he work hard?'," Murray said, adding that former world number one Ferrero assured him Alcaraz was "really good with that stuff". "That was enough for me, having seen his game and hearing from his coach and someone who knows what hard work is like that he was going to go on potentially to have a great career." Both Murray and Alcaraz are in action in Toronto this week as they gear up for the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 28. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Andy Murray hopes instinctive Carlos Alcaraz does not ditch 'Kamikaze' approach

American Taylor Fritz won an entertaining three-hour battle against Andy Murray 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 in their rain-delayed match on Friday in Washington, D.C., and will face Jordan Thompson in the quarter-finals in the evening session.

The veteran Scot overcame an early break of serve in the marathon first set to force a tiebreak that was dominated by the three-time major champion.

The American top seed broke again early in the second set, which was enough to seal the set and stretch the contest into a decider.

In the tight third set, Fritz took advantage of a sloppy service game from Murray to arrive on the doorstep of victory at 5-4. But Murray was not done and threatened to level when he jumped ahead 0-40 in the next game.

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Fritz, who crushed 17 aces, managed to serve his way out of trouble and hit a lovely lunging volley to set up match point, which he converted with a cross-court forehand winner.

The match showcased not only both players' raw power but also their versatility, with each deploying deft drop shots at critical times, often leading to entertaining rallies on a hot and humid day.

Play was halted at one point by climate change protesters who threw large tennis balls with flames printed on them onto the court and unfurled banners calling on tournament sponsors Mubadala and Citi to stop funding the fossil fuel industry.

The winner of the Fritz-Thompson match will face Tallon Griekspoor for the place in the final after the Dutch player overwhelmed American J.J. Wolf 7-5 6-4.

<h2>Tiafoe advances</h2>

Hometown hero Frances Tiafoe, who grew up in the D.C. metropolitan area, beat 18-year-old qualifier Shang Juncheng 6-2 6-3.

Tiafoe rifled a forehand passing shot on match point and raised his arms to pump up the adoring crowd after notching the win.

The second-seeded Tiafoe will face Dan Evans in a quarter-final later on Friday after the Briton beat Russia's Alexander Shevchenko 6-4 6-3.

The winner will take on Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who reached the semi-finals without hitting a ball after he was handed a walkover by Frenchman Ugo Humbert.

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American Taylor Fritz won an entertaining three-hour battle against Andy Murray 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 in their rain-delayed match on Friday in Washington, D.C., and will face Jordan Thompson in the quarter-finals in the evening session.

American Taylor Fritz won an entertaining three-hour battle against Andy Murray 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 in their rain-delayed match on Friday in Washington, D.C., and will face Jordan Thompson in the quarter-finals in the evening session. The veteran Scot overcame an early break of serve in the marathon first set to force a tiebreak that was dominated by the three-time major champion. The American top seed broke again early in the second set, which was enough to seal the set and stretch the contest into a decider. In the tight third set, Fritz took advantage of a sloppy service game from Murray to arrive on the doorstep of victory at 5-4. But Murray was not done and threatened to level when he jumped ahead 0-40 in the next game. ALSO READ: USA gymnast Simone Biles prepares for return for first time since Tokyo Games Fritz, who crushed 17 aces, managed to serve his way out of trouble and hit a lovely lunging volley to set up match point, which he converted with a cross-court forehand winner. The match showcased not only both players' raw power but also their versatility, with each deploying deft drop shots at critical times, often leading to entertaining rallies on a hot and humid day. Play was halted at one point by climate change protesters who threw large tennis balls with flames printed on them onto the court and unfurled banners calling on tournament sponsors Mubadala and Citi to stop funding the fossil fuel industry. The winner of the Fritz-Thompson match will face Tallon Griekspoor for the place in the final after the Dutch player overwhelmed American J.J. Wolf 7-5 6-4. Tiafoe advances Hometown hero Frances Tiafoe, who grew up in the D.C. metropolitan area, beat 18-year-old qualifier Shang Juncheng 6-2 6-3. Tiafoe rifled a forehand passing shot on match point and raised his arms to pump up the adoring crowd after notching the win. The second-seeded Tiafoe will face Dan Evans in a quarter-final later on Friday after the Briton beat Russia's Alexander Shevchenko 6-4 6-3. The winner will take on Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who reached the semi-finals without hitting a ball after he was handed a walkover by Frenchman Ugo Humbert. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Citi Open: Taylor Fritz edges Andy Murray to seal quarters berth in Washington

Andy Murray held firm in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima in the ATP hardcourt tournament in Washington on Wednesday, the British great's first match since an epic second-round exit at Wimbledon.

The 36-year-old Scot, ranked 44th in the world, saved all six break points he faced against the 70th-ranked American to reach the third round.

That included one in the final game, when a double fault left Murray down 30-40.

He responded with a deft, angled forehand drop shot to end a long rally and followed up with a service winner before closing out the contest with a booming forehand winner.

"It got really tense toward the end," Murray said, thanking a vocal crowd for their support. "The adrenaline, butterflies, nerves, that makes you feel alive. I still enjoy that."

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray admitted last month he didn't know if he'd be back at Wimbledon again after falling in five sets to world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round.

He hasn't made the second week of a Grand Slam since reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2017 as two hip surgeries threatened to end his career.

His first match win in Washington since 2018 showed he's still relishing the fight.

He trailed 5-2 in the first-set tiebreaker, winning five straight points to claim the set.

He broke Nakashima to open the second set and held on from there.

"The courts and the balls are extremely slow here, so you're having to work really hard in all of the games, it's not easy to finish points," Murray said. "It was a good one to get through."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-england-australia-docked-points-in-double-digits-for-slow-over-rate-621712">Ashes 2023: England, Australia docked points in double digits for slow over rate</a>

Murray, who had a first-round bye, next faces top-seeded Taylor Fritz or fellow American Zachary Svajda.

In other matches Wednesday, Japan's Yosuke Watanuki shocked third-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (12/10), 7-6 (7/3) and 11th-seeded Wimbledon quarter-finalist Christopher Eubanks beat Japan's Sho Shimabukuro 6-3, 6-4.

At 12th in the world, Auger-Aliassime is the highest-ranked player the 99th-ranked Watanuki has beaten.

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina continued her dominance of Daria Kasatkina, taking her career record over the Russian to 8-0 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory Wednesday in the WTA hardcourt tournament in Washington.

Unseeded Svitolina's second victory over her fifth-seeded Russian rival saw her into the quarter-finals, where she'll face either top-seeded American Jessica Pegula or lucky loser Peyton Stearns.

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Andy Murray held firm in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima in the ATP hardcourt tournament in Washington on Wednesday, the British great's first match since an epic second-round exit at Wimbledon.

Andy Murray held firm in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima in the ATP hardcourt tournament in Washington on Wednesday, the British great's first match since an epic second-round exit at Wimbledon. The 36-year-old Scot, ranked 44th in the world, saved all six break points he faced against the 70th-ranked American to reach the third round. That included one in the final game, when a double fault left Murray down 30-40. He responded with a deft, angled forehand drop shot to end a long rally and followed up with a service winner before closing out the contest with a booming forehand winner. "It got really tense toward the end," Murray said, thanking a vocal crowd for their support. "The adrenaline, butterflies, nerves, that makes you feel alive. I still enjoy that." Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray admitted last month he didn't know if he'd be back at Wimbledon again after falling in five sets to world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. He hasn't made the second week of a Grand Slam since reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2017 as two hip surgeries threatened to end his career. His first match win in Washington since 2018 showed he's still relishing the fight. He trailed 5-2 in the first-set tiebreaker, winning five straight points to claim the set. He broke Nakashima to open the second set and held on from there. "The courts and the balls are extremely slow here, so you're having to work really hard in all of the games, it's not easy to finish points," Murray said. "It was a good one to get through." ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: England, Australia docked points in double digits for slow over rate Murray, who had a first-round bye, next faces top-seeded Taylor Fritz or fellow American Zachary Svajda. In other matches Wednesday, Japan's Yosuke Watanuki shocked third-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (12/10), 7-6 (7/3) and 11th-seeded Wimbledon quarter-finalist Christopher Eubanks beat Japan's Sho Shimabukuro 6-3, 6-4. At 12th in the world, Auger-Aliassime is the highest-ranked player the 99th-ranked Watanuki has beaten. Ukraine's Elina Svitolina continued her dominance of Daria Kasatkina, taking her career record over the Russian to 8-0 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory Wednesday in the WTA hardcourt tournament in Washington. Unseeded Svitolina's second victory over her fifth-seeded Russian rival saw her into the quarter-finals, where she'll face either top-seeded American Jessica Pegula or lucky loser Peyton Stearns. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Washington Open: Andy Murray beats Brandon Nakajima in opener; Elina Svitolina reaches QF

Former world no. 1 and home boy Andy Murray exited the Wimbledon 2023 after losing against Stefanos Tsitsipas in an epic five-set match on Friday. The second round game, which had started on Thursday, was completed on Friday, July 7 due to the local council curfew. Murray lost the match 6(3)-7(7), 7(7)-6(2), 6-4, 6(3)-7(7), 4-6.

Murray, who has won the Wimbledon twice, in 2013 and 2016 apart from a US Open in 2012, felt completely dejected and said that it's always hard whenever the Wimbledon doesn't go according to his plans.

"I'm obviously very disappointed just now. Yeah, obviously you never know how many opportunities you're going to get to play here," Andy Murray said. "The defeats maybe...feel a bit tougher. But, to be honest, every year that Wimbledon's not gone how I would like, it's been hard," he said at the post-match conference.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-spectator-gets-hit-by-ball-from-different-court-in-a-bizarre-incident-watch-613435">Spectator gets hit by ball from different court in a bizarre incident at Wimbledon</a>

The Brit, who had 2-1 lead going in the second day of his match against Tsitsipas, also said that he's 'not sure' when asked if this was his last appearance at All England Club.

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Putting on a show on Centre Court 🌟 
 
How the epic battle between <a href="https://twitter.com/steftsitsipas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@steftsitsipas</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> unfolded...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/7MW7Du2J6p">pic.twitter.com/7MW7Du2J6p</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1677614557257416707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"I don't know...motivation is obviously a big thing. Continuing having early losses in tournaments like this don't necessarily help with that. It's similar to I guess last year. I had a long think about things, spoke to my family, decided to keep on going," Andy Murray said.

"I don't plan to stop right now. But, yeah, this one will take a little while to get over. Hopefully find the motivation again to keep training, keep pushing, try and keep getting better," he added.

The 36-year-old, who's had injury troubles in the past, wasn't much pleased about that fact that he came close to beating a top-ranked player like Tsitsipas (5th seed).

"To have a run at these tournaments, you need multiple, multiple wins in a row. Yeah, I've obviously not done that," Murray said. "Ultimately this was an opportunity for me. I had a good chance of having a proper run for the first time in a long time at a Slam. I didn't take it."

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Former world no. 1 and home boy Andy Murray exited the Wimbledon 2023 after losing against Stefanos Tsitsipas in an epic five-set match on Friday. The second round game, which had started on Thursday, was completed on Friday, July 7 due to the local council curfew.

Former world no. 1 and home boy Andy Murray exited the Wimbledon 2023 after losing against Stefanos Tsitsipas in an epic five-set match on Friday. The second round game, which had started on Thursday, was completed on Friday, July 7 due to the local council curfew. Murray lost the match 6(3)-7(7), 7(7)-6(2), 6-4, 6(3)-7(7), 4-6. Murray, who has won the Wimbledon twice, in 2013 and 2016 apart from a US Open in 2012, felt completely dejected and said that it's always hard whenever the Wimbledon doesn't go according to his plans. "I'm obviously very disappointed just now. Yeah, obviously you never know how many opportunities you're going to get to play here," Andy Murray said. "The defeats maybe...feel a bit tougher. But, to be honest, every year that Wimbledon's not gone how I would like, it's been hard," he said at the post-match conference. Also Watch: Spectator gets hit by ball from different court in a bizarre incident at Wimbledon The Brit, who had 2-1 lead going in the second day of his match against Tsitsipas, also said that he's 'not sure' when asked if this was his last appearance at All England Club. Putting on a show on Centre Court 🌟 How the epic battle between @steftsitsipas and @andy_murray unfolded...#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/7MW7Du2J6p — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2023 × "I don't know...motivation is obviously a big thing. Continuing having early losses in tournaments like this don't necessarily help with that. It's similar to I guess last year. I had a long think about things, spoke to my family, decided to keep on going," Andy Murray said. "I don't plan to stop right now. But, yeah, this one will take a little while to get over. Hopefully find the motivation again to keep training, keep pushing, try and keep getting better," he added. The 36-year-old, who's had injury troubles in the past, wasn't much pleased about that fact that he came close to beating a top-ranked player like Tsitsipas (5th seed). "To have a run at these tournaments, you need multiple, multiple wins in a row. Yeah, I've obviously not done that," Murray said. "Ultimately this was an opportunity for me. I had a good chance of having a proper run for the first time in a long time at a Slam. I didn't take it." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Dejected Andy Murray 'not sure' of returning to All England Club after second round exit

If guts and grit win grand slam titles, just hand the Wimbledon trophy to Andy Murray right now.

Of course, it doesn’t work like that though and the Scot must come back on Friday to earn a spot in the third round after an epic battle with Greek powerhouse Stefanos Tsitsipas was halted with the clock approaching 11pm local time on Thursday. 
 
The scoreboard under the lights showed Murray leading the hard-fought contest 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 6-4.

It had been a fascinating match played out in a heady Centre Court atmosphere with nothing to separate twice champion Murray and his flaxen-haired fifth-seeded opponent. Whisper it quietly, but there have been times over the past 19 years that much of the Wimbledon crowd has not always found it easy to take to the passionate Scot.

Today, Murray is nothing short of a National Treasure, having famously ended Britain's 77-year wait for a home men's singles champion in 2013, and the Centre Court crowd roared their appreciation throughout in the chill of London’s evening.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-liam-broady-stuns-world-number-four-casper-ruud-in-four-set-affair-612838">Wimbledon 2023: Liam Broady stuns world number four Casper Ruud in four-set affair</a>

The younger man by a dozen years, Tsitsipas has never got past the fourth round in five previous visits and despite his more youthful legs – and Murray’s metal hip – it was the Scot who looked more comfortable moving around the slick surface.

There was so very little to choose between the two combatants in the opening set – just two points separated them, Murray winning 37 points and Tsitsipas 39.

But the Greek won when they mattered as it came to an almost-inevitable tiebreak. One of his 21 clean winners in that opening set came to punch through Murray’s defences for a 4-3 lead in the tiebreak. Two points later, he held three set points at 6-3, and converted on his first by out-manoeuvring the Scot to take a one-set lead after just shy of an hour’s play.

Time and time again over the years, though, Murray has shown he is hewn from granite and he slugged toe-to-toe with the younger man.

The clock ticked, the games rolled over and once again the set entered a tiebreak, and this time Murray was not to be denied, levelling the match with a roar and an air punch and Centre Court jumped to its feet.

The heady atmosphere seeping into every cubic inch of the arena hung in the air and when play resumed for a third set, Murray broke the mighty Greek serve for the first time in the match to burst out of the gates into an early lead.

It was one he would not relinquish and at 10:38 pm, he fired a service that Tsitsipas could only return long.

Murray sat in his seat, looked at his team in the stands and waved his hand in a ‘call it’ gesture as the umpire announced play would be suspended until Friday.

The break could hardly have come at a better time for Murray who had just been wrong-footed and yelped in pain as he slid to the ground.

Tsitsipas stalked off court while Murray collected his bag and the crowd roared their appreciation as the night-time clash ended on a cliffhanger.

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If guts and grit win grand slam titles, just hand the Wimbledon trophy to Andy Murray right now. Of course, it doesn’t work like that though and the Scot must come back on Friday to earn a spot in the third round after an epic battle with Greek powerhouse Stefanos Tsitsipas was halted with the clock approaching 11pm local time on Thursday.

If guts and grit win grand slam titles, just hand the Wimbledon trophy to Andy Murray right now. Of course, it doesn’t work like that though and the Scot must come back on Friday to earn a spot in the third round after an epic battle with Greek powerhouse Stefanos Tsitsipas was halted with the clock approaching 11pm local time on Thursday. The scoreboard under the lights showed Murray leading the hard-fought contest 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 6-4. It had been a fascinating match played out in a heady Centre Court atmosphere with nothing to separate twice champion Murray and his flaxen-haired fifth-seeded opponent. Whisper it quietly, but there have been times over the past 19 years that much of the Wimbledon crowd has not always found it easy to take to the passionate Scot. Today, Murray is nothing short of a National Treasure, having famously ended Britain's 77-year wait for a home men's singles champion in 2013, and the Centre Court crowd roared their appreciation throughout in the chill of London’s evening. ALSO READ: Wimbledon 2023: Liam Broady stuns world number four Casper Ruud in four-set affair The younger man by a dozen years, Tsitsipas has never got past the fourth round in five previous visits and despite his more youthful legs – and Murray’s metal hip – it was the Scot who looked more comfortable moving around the slick surface. There was so very little to choose between the two combatants in the opening set – just two points separated them, Murray winning 37 points and Tsitsipas 39. But the Greek won when they mattered as it came to an almost-inevitable tiebreak. One of his 21 clean winners in that opening set came to punch through Murray’s defences for a 4-3 lead in the tiebreak. Two points later, he held three set points at 6-3, and converted on his first by out-manoeuvring the Scot to take a one-set lead after just shy of an hour’s play. Time and time again over the years, though, Murray has shown he is hewn from granite and he slugged toe-to-toe with the younger man. The clock ticked, the games rolled over and once again the set entered a tiebreak, and this time Murray was not to be denied, levelling the match with a roar and an air punch and Centre Court jumped to its feet. The heady atmosphere seeping into every cubic inch of the arena hung in the air and when play resumed for a third set, Murray broke the mighty Greek serve for the first time in the match to burst out of the gates into an early lead. It was one he would not relinquish and at 10:38 pm, he fired a service that Tsitsipas could only return long. Murray sat in his seat, looked at his team in the stands and waved his hand in a ‘call it’ gesture as the umpire announced play would be suspended until Friday. The break could hardly have come at a better time for Murray who had just been wrong-footed and yelped in pain as he slid to the ground. Tsitsipas stalked off court while Murray collected his bag and the crowd roared their appreciation as the night-time clash ended on a cliffhanger. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tennis: Andy Murray leads Stefanos Tsitsipas as Wimbledon curfew halts play

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is gearing up for Wimbledon 2023 edition. The veteran's career has been marred with injury concerns. Before he decides to call it quits, Murray will be eager to add more titles to his cabinet. Recently, the Brit spoke at length on his retirement plans and revealed that he wants to sign off on his 'own terms'.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 36-year-old said that he is focused on making the most of the opportunities in the last phase of his professional career. In 2018, he underwent hip surgery which kept him out of action for almost the whole season. However, now he wants to remain injury free and compete hard till he decides to step aside. Murray revealed that he plans to 'keep playing a bit longer' but hopes no big injury derails his progress.

<h2>Another injury would mean the end for me: Murray</h2>

Murray said, “I hope not, but you never know. It's why athletes need to make the most of it while they're still able to because if I was to have another big injury or if something happened to the metal hip, that would be me finished. I wouldn't try to come back from another operation or major surgery again so I want to keep playing a bit longer."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/partied-all-night-and-scored-250-next-day-ishant-shares-unheard-tale-of-kohli-lauds-his-transformation-608843">Partied all night and scored 250 next day: Ishant shares unheard tale of Kohli, lauds his transformation</a>

The two-time Wimbledon winner made it clear that he doesn't want to retire after this year's edition at the All England Club. "I know it's not going to be going on forever, but I have an idea of when I would like to finish and it's not this year's Wimbledon. I don't know exactly which tournament it would be or where it will be. I just have an idea of how much longer I would like to play for and I don't want to put myself in a position like before I had the operation."

“I want to finish on my own terms. I want to finish on the court where I feel I can still do myself justice and playing at a really high level. I definitely feel I can do that for a couple more years,”&nbsp;Murray concluded.

Murray occupies the 39th spot in the latest ATP rankings and&nbsp;recently emerged on top to claim&nbsp;the Nottingham Open title before facing a first-round&nbsp;exit&nbsp;at the Queen’s Club Championships. Only time will tell how far will he go in the forthcoming Wimbledon, which starts on July 3.

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Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is gearing up for Wimbledon 2023 edition. The veteran's career has been marred with injury concerns. Before he decides to call it quits, Murray will be eager to add more titles to his cabinet.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is gearing up for Wimbledon 2023 edition. The veteran's career has been marred with injury concerns. Before he decides to call it quits, Murray will be eager to add more titles to his cabinet. Recently, the Brit spoke at length on his retirement plans and revealed that he wants to sign off on his 'own terms'. Speaking to Sky Sports, the 36-year-old said that he is focused on making the most of the opportunities in the last phase of his professional career. In 2018, he underwent hip surgery which kept him out of action for almost the whole season. However, now he wants to remain injury free and compete hard till he decides to step aside. Murray revealed that he plans to 'keep playing a bit longer' but hopes no big injury derails his progress. Another injury would mean the end for me: Murray Murray said, “I hope not, but you never know. It's why athletes need to make the most of it while they're still able to because if I was to have another big injury or if something happened to the metal hip, that would be me finished. I wouldn't try to come back from another operation or major surgery again so I want to keep playing a bit longer." Also Read: Partied all night and scored 250 next day: Ishant shares unheard tale of Kohli, lauds his transformation The two-time Wimbledon winner made it clear that he doesn't want to retire after this year's edition at the All England Club. "I know it's not going to be going on forever, but I have an idea of when I would like to finish and it's not this year's Wimbledon. I don't know exactly which tournament it would be or where it will be. I just have an idea of how much longer I would like to play for and I don't want to put myself in a position like before I had the operation." “I want to finish on my own terms. I want to finish on the court where I feel I can still do myself justice and playing at a really high level. I definitely feel I can do that for a couple more years,” Murray concluded. Murray occupies the 39th spot in the latest ATP rankings and recently emerged on top to claim the Nottingham Open title before facing a first-round exit at the Queen’s Club Championships. Only time will tell how far will he go in the forthcoming Wimbledon, which starts on July 3. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tennis: 'I want to finish on own terms' - Andy Murray on retirement plans ahead of Wimbledon 2023

Andy Murray's brother and uncle have expressed their anger over the treatment of the two-time Wimbledon champion after he was left off an official poster of past and present greats.

The All England Club posted an image of 15 famous players walking down a staircase on its social media channels.&nbsp;

Under the words "Here's to the next generation of headline acts", young players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz -- neither of whom have made an impact at the championships yet -- stand in the foreground.

Behind them are a selection of "epic" rivalries including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and Serena and Venus Williams.

But Murray, who ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's champion in 2013, is nowhere to be seen.

His uncle, Niall Erskine, tweeted underneath the image: "Appalling at every level, all about the men in the forefront and your own British history-maker nowhere to be seen. You should be ashamed of yourselves."

And Jamie Murray, who has been competing along with his brother at Queen's Club this week, replied to Wimbledon's Instagram post with "Where's @andymurray?"

He added: "Didn't they talk about the big 4 for 10 years until he smashed his hip to pieces when he was world No 1?"

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-going-to-ben-stokes-backs-declaration-call-after-england-lose-edgbaston-test-to-australia-606798">'Not going to...': Ben Stokes backs declaration call after England lose Edgbaston Test to Australia</a>

Illustrator Grant Gruenhaupt responded by saying more paintings are planned.

Jamie Murray and partner Michael Venus lost their first-round doubles match at Queen's against Matthew Ebden and Rohan Bopanna in two tie-breaks.

Andy Murray, currently ranked 38th in singles, was due to play in the doubles alongside Cameron Norrie later on Wednesday.

But the Scot, knocked out of the singles on Tuesday, has withdrawn from the event.

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Andy Murray's brother and uncle have expressed their anger over the treatment of the two-time Wimbledon champion after he was left off an official poster of past and present greats.

Andy Murray's brother and uncle have expressed their anger over the treatment of the two-time Wimbledon champion after he was left off an official poster of past and present greats. The All England Club posted an image of 15 famous players walking down a staircase on its social media channels. Under the words "Here's to the next generation of headline acts", young players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz -- neither of whom have made an impact at the championships yet -- stand in the foreground. Behind them are a selection of "epic" rivalries including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and Serena and Venus Williams. But Murray, who ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's champion in 2013, is nowhere to be seen. His uncle, Niall Erskine, tweeted underneath the image: "Appalling at every level, all about the men in the forefront and your own British history-maker nowhere to be seen. You should be ashamed of yourselves." And Jamie Murray, who has been competing along with his brother at Queen's Club this week, replied to Wimbledon's Instagram post with "Where's @andymurray?" He added: "Didn't they talk about the big 4 for 10 years until he smashed his hip to pieces when he was world No 1?" ALSO READ | 'Not going to...': Ben Stokes backs declaration call after England lose Edgbaston Test to Australia Illustrator Grant Gruenhaupt responded by saying more paintings are planned. Jamie Murray and partner Michael Venus lost their first-round doubles match at Queen's against Matthew Ebden and Rohan Bopanna in two tie-breaks. Andy Murray, currently ranked 38th in singles, was due to play in the doubles alongside Cameron Norrie later on Wednesday. But the Scot, knocked out of the singles on Tuesday, has withdrawn from the event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Andy Murray's family questions absence of former Wimbledon champion from poster

Former world number one Andy Murray is gearing up for the upcoming Wimbledon and said that he's in the best shape following his hip surgery. The 36-year-old had a hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 after which the three-time Grand Slam winner resuscitated his career.

"In terms of physically how I have been, the last six to nine months have been really good and that has been the best I have felt since my surgery, that is really positive," Murray said as quoted by news agency Reuters following his 6-3, 7-5 win over Hugo Grenier in Rothesay Nottingham Open. The win took Murray to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

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"I am getting lots of matches in. I always feel really comfortable on the grass courts, so the next few weeks will be a good test for me," added Murray.

The veteran tennis star, however, didn't take part in the recently-concluded French Open tournament following early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Bordeaux. Meanwhile, Murray&nbsp;won the second-tier Aix-en-Provence Challenger Tour title last month.

He, however, agreed that it is a bit difficult to assess his playing level right now and that playing against top-ranked players will be the right exposure required to be certain about his game.

"It is really hard to say if I'm playing my best level overall," Murray said. "I don't know because, I mean absolutely no disrespect to the players I am playing against, I am aware they are very good players, but when you're playing against guys who are in the top 10 in the world, they are able to expose certain things in your game a little bit more as well," added Murray.

Murray has won Wimbledon twice (2013 &amp; 2016) in his grand slam tally of three, with one being the US Open (2012). He also finished the year 2016 as the top-ranked player in the world. The Wimbledon 2023 is set to be played next month from July 3-16.

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Former world number one Andy Murray is gearing up for the upcoming Wimbledon and said that he's in the best shape following his hip surgery. The 36-year-old had a hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 after which the three-time Grand Slam winner resuscitated his career.

Former world number one Andy Murray is gearing up for the upcoming Wimbledon and said that he's in the best shape following his hip surgery. The 36-year-old had a hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 after which the three-time Grand Slam winner resuscitated his career. "In terms of physically how I have been, the last six to nine months have been really good and that has been the best I have felt since my surgery, that is really positive," Murray said as quoted by news agency Reuters following his 6-3, 7-5 win over Hugo Grenier in Rothesay Nottingham Open. The win took Murray to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Also Read: Lionel Messi READY and EAGER for Inter Miami challenge in MLS "I am getting lots of matches in. I always feel really comfortable on the grass courts, so the next few weeks will be a good test for me," added Murray. The veteran tennis star, however, didn't take part in the recently-concluded French Open tournament following early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Bordeaux. Meanwhile, Murray won the second-tier Aix-en-Provence Challenger Tour title last month. He, however, agreed that it is a bit difficult to assess his playing level right now and that playing against top-ranked players will be the right exposure required to be certain about his game. "It is really hard to say if I'm playing my best level overall," Murray said. "I don't know because, I mean absolutely no disrespect to the players I am playing against, I am aware they are very good players, but when you're playing against guys who are in the top 10 in the world, they are able to expose certain things in your game a little bit more as well," added Murray. Murray has won Wimbledon twice (2013 & 2016) in his grand slam tally of three, with one being the US Open (2012). He also finished the year 2016 as the top-ranked player in the world. The Wimbledon 2023 is set to be played next month from July 3-16. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Former world no. 1 Andy Murray ready for Wimbledon with 'best physical shape' since hip surgery

Three-time Grand Slam champion Britain's Andy Murray is the latest of the big four to pull out of the French Open 2023 to focus on Wimbledon. Earlier, 14-time winner at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal, also withdrew his name from his favourite event as he failed to completely recover from the hip injury he sustained during the Australian Open early this year.

With Roger Federer also hanging his boots from professional tennis in 2022, Serbian Novak Djokovic is the only one left out of the fab-four to participate in this year's French Open.

Having participated in clay-court Slam only once since 2017, Murray won the Challenger event in Aix-en-Provence in May this year, beating Tommy Paul in the finals.

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The 2016 French Open finalist got knocked out in a few other ATP tour events, including Rome, Madrid, and Monte Carlo. His most recent loss came against his rival Stan Wawrinka in Bordeaux.

The 36-year-old, speaking with the Guardian earlier, had informed about his chances of not being available for the French Open this year. He said,

"It's just what the right thing is to prioritise at this stage in my career. I trust my body now, but I'm aware that my best chance of having a deep run is more likely to happen at Wimbledon," Murray told Guardian.

Meanwhile, Murray, 36, plans to compete in the Cinch Championships at Queen's Club, scheduled from June 19th to 25th. By choosing to sit out of the French Open, the Scottish tennis star will also have a chance to participate in the Surbiton grass-court Challenger event that coincides with the second week of the French Open (from June 4-11), which begins on May 22nd.

After undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, Murray's rankings dropped to 502nd, and upon his return, he climbed to the 42nd spot. His prime focus, for now, would remain to play well at Wimbledon and potentially secure a seeding.&nbsp;

<h2>Nadal set to miss the French Open 2023</h2>

As Nadal is recovering from the abdominal strain, he decided to step aside from participating in this year's second Slam.&nbsp;

Not only this, but the 22-time Grand Slam winner also revealed that 2024 would be his last year as a professional tennis player, putting curtains down on a brilliant two-decade career.

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Three-time Grand Slam champion Britain's Andy Murray is the latest of the big four to pull out of the French Open 2023 to focus on Wimbledon. Earlier, 14-time winner at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal, also withdrew his name from his favourite event as he failed to completely recover from the hip injury he sustained during the Australian Open early this year.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Britain's Andy Murray is the latest of the big four to pull out of the French Open 2023 to focus on Wimbledon. Earlier, 14-time winner at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal, also withdrew his name from his favourite event as he failed to completely recover from the hip injury he sustained during the Australian Open early this year. With Roger Federer also hanging his boots from professional tennis in 2022, Serbian Novak Djokovic is the only one left out of the fab-four to participate in this year's French Open. Having participated in clay-court Slam only once since 2017, Murray won the Challenger event in Aix-en-Provence in May this year, beating Tommy Paul in the finals. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open, expects '2024 to be his last year in tennis' The 2016 French Open finalist got knocked out in a few other ATP tour events, including Rome, Madrid, and Monte Carlo. His most recent loss came against his rival Stan Wawrinka in Bordeaux. The 36-year-old, speaking with the Guardian earlier, had informed about his chances of not being available for the French Open this year. He said, "It's just what the right thing is to prioritise at this stage in my career. I trust my body now, but I'm aware that my best chance of having a deep run is more likely to happen at Wimbledon," Murray told Guardian. Meanwhile, Murray, 36, plans to compete in the Cinch Championships at Queen's Club, scheduled from June 19th to 25th. By choosing to sit out of the French Open, the Scottish tennis star will also have a chance to participate in the Surbiton grass-court Challenger event that coincides with the second week of the French Open (from June 4-11), which begins on May 22nd. After undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, Murray's rankings dropped to 502nd, and upon his return, he climbed to the 42nd spot. His prime focus, for now, would remain to play well at Wimbledon and potentially secure a seeding. Nadal set to miss the French Open 2023 As Nadal is recovering from the abdominal strain, he decided to step aside from participating in this year's second Slam. Not only this, but the 22-time Grand Slam winner also revealed that 2024 would be his last year as a professional tennis player, putting curtains down on a brilliant two-decade career. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tennis - Britain's Andy Murray pulls out of French Open to concentrate on Wimbledon 2023

Fabio Fognini edged out Andy Murray in a battle of veteran tennis dads to reach the Italian Open second round on Wednesday. Fognini, ranked outside of the top 100 for the first time in 14 years, came through 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 against his fellow 35-year-old.

Former number seven Fognini delighted his home crowd with a controlled final set serving display in which he conceded just three points. It was his fifth win in nine career meetings with Murray but just his third on the tour in 2023. The Italian maverick, like Murray a father of three, fired 46 winners past the former world number one and three-time major winner in a first round tie which stretched to almost three hours.

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"For sure I'm happy because coming back from injury is never easy, especially at our age. But winning here in Rome against a really big player like Andy," said Fognini, who has been troubled by a foot injury. "Now it's important to recover. It's going to be tricky and a nice question to my mind if I will recover well. But I just want to enjoy this night and going home with this victory."

Next up for Fognini is a clash with Miomir Kecmanovic while 42nd-ranked Murray, the 2016 champion in Rome, licks his wounds after celebrating his first title since 2019 at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic will begin his bid to retain the Italian Open title against Tomas Etcheverry after the 61st-ranked Argentine beat Luca Van Assche of France in the first round 7-6 (9/7), 6-3. Djokovic comes into the tournament he has won six times recovering from an elbow injury and set to lose top spot in the world rankings to Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz just needs to play a match in the Italian capital to return to the world number one ranking ahead of the French Open which starts later this month.

Djokovic won his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. However, he missed the American hard-court swing in March due to his refusal to be vaccinated.

The 35-year-old has endured a tough start to the European clay-court season, being eliminated in the last 16 at the Monte Carlo Masters, in the quarter-finals at Banja Luka and then pulling out of Madrid.

- Wawrinka advances -

Veteran Stan Wawrinka will face 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the last 64, the three-time Grand Slam winner easing past Ilya Ivashka 6-4, 6-2. Wawrinka, 38, and playing in the Italian capital for the 18th time, hit 26 winners and saved the one break point he faced.

"I was ready for it. I am playing well. It was a good first match and I am really happy to get through again," said Wawrinka, who was runner-up to Djokovic in Rome in 2008.

The former world number three now down at 84 in the rankings added: "I have been working hard to get to this level. This year I am playing much better, but I need to win more matches."

Fabio Fognini edged out Andy Murray in a battle of veteran tennis dads to reach the Italian Open second round on Wednesday. Fognini, ranked outside of the top 100 for the first time in 14 years, came through 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 against his fellow 35-year-old.

Fabio Fognini edged out Andy Murray in a battle of veteran tennis dads to reach the Italian Open second round on Wednesday. Fognini, ranked outside of the top 100 for the first time in 14 years, came through 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 against his fellow 35-year-old. Former number seven Fognini delighted his home crowd with a controlled final set serving display in which he conceded just three points. It was his fifth win in nine career meetings with Murray but just his third on the tour in 2023. The Italian maverick, like Murray a father of three, fired 46 winners past the former world number one and three-time major winner in a first round tie which stretched to almost three hours. ALSO READ: Madrid Open sexism row: From silencing women finalists, cake gate to controversial ball girl outfits "For sure I'm happy because coming back from injury is never easy, especially at our age. But winning here in Rome against a really big player like Andy," said Fognini, who has been troubled by a foot injury. "Now it's important to recover. It's going to be tricky and a nice question to my mind if I will recover well. But I just want to enjoy this night and going home with this victory." Next up for Fognini is a clash with Miomir Kecmanovic while 42nd-ranked Murray, the 2016 champion in Rome, licks his wounds after celebrating his first title since 2019 at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger on Sunday. Novak Djokovic will begin his bid to retain the Italian Open title against Tomas Etcheverry after the 61st-ranked Argentine beat Luca Van Assche of France in the first round 7-6 (9/7), 6-3. Djokovic comes into the tournament he has won six times recovering from an elbow injury and set to lose top spot in the world rankings to Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz just needs to play a match in the Italian capital to return to the world number one ranking ahead of the French Open which starts later this month. Djokovic won his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. However, he missed the American hard-court swing in March due to his refusal to be vaccinated. The 35-year-old has endured a tough start to the European clay-court season, being eliminated in the last 16 at the Monte Carlo Masters, in the quarter-finals at Banja Luka and then pulling out of Madrid. - Wawrinka advances - Veteran Stan Wawrinka will face 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the last 64, the three-time Grand Slam winner easing past Ilya Ivashka 6-4, 6-2. Wawrinka, 38, and playing in the Italian capital for the 18th time, hit 26 winners and saved the one break point he faced. "I was ready for it. I am playing well. It was a good first match and I am really happy to get through again," said Wawrinka, who was runner-up to Djokovic in Rome in 2008. The former world number three now down at 84 in the rankings added: "I have been working hard to get to this level. This year I am playing much better, but I need to win more matches."

Italian Open: Former world number 7 Fabio Fognini beats Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic to face Tomas Etcheverry

Andy Murray said he hopes to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2020 next month after crashing out in the first round of the&nbsp;Madrid&nbsp;Open&nbsp;on Thursday. The three-time Grand Slam champion has only played the French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;once since reaching the 2017 semi-finals, losing in the first round to Stan Wawrinka three years ago. But he said he could return to the Parisian clay, after losing 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) to Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori in&nbsp;Madrid.

"I would like to play, just purely because I don't know if I'll get another opportunity to play again," Murray said on returning to the French&nbsp;Open, where he was runner-up in 2016. "Whilst I feel fit and healthy, I would like to give it a go. "I also have ambitions of competing for Wimbledon titles and that sort of stuff, and I know that sitting here today that probably doesn't sound realistic, but I do believe that that's a possibility. I obviously want to do the right thing there. "It's impossible to say what the right thing to do is, but obviously it's a Grand Slam. I would like the opportunity to play."

World number 164 Vavassori turfed out the former world number one in straight sets in the Spanish capital. Murray was also knocked out in the first round at the Monte Carlo Masters a fortnight ago, describing it as "demoralising" and "awful". "Second set started to get into it a bit more. Was playing I think a bit better, some positive signs," Murray said on Thursday. "Some of the errors are hard to explain."

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Vavassori broke world number 52 Murray twice to take a 4-0 lead in the first set before serving out, with his opponent unable to force a single break point. The 27-year-old broke again for 2-1 in the second set but fired into the net to allow his opponent back in to level at 4-4, with Murray celebrating furiously. Vavassori committed a double fault at match point in the tie-break and then hit the net with another shot, before Murray saved a third match point on serve.

The Briton saved a fourth too, but the Italian clinched victory at the fifth time of asking when Murray erred badly at the net. It is the first time two-time winner Murray has fallen at the first hurdle in&nbsp;Madrid&nbsp;in 12 appearances. Earlier, Austria's Dominic Thiem beat Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-1 to set up a second-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Andy Murray said he hopes to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2020 next month after crashing out in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

Andy Murray said he hopes to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2020 next month after crashing out in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday. The three-time Grand Slam champion has only played the French Open once since reaching the 2017 semi-finals, losing in the first round to Stan Wawrinka three years ago. But he said he could return to the Parisian clay, after losing 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) to Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori in Madrid. "I would like to play, just purely because I don't know if I'll get another opportunity to play again," Murray said on returning to the French Open, where he was runner-up in 2016. "Whilst I feel fit and healthy, I would like to give it a go. "I also have ambitions of competing for Wimbledon titles and that sort of stuff, and I know that sitting here today that probably doesn't sound realistic, but I do believe that that's a possibility. I obviously want to do the right thing there. "It's impossible to say what the right thing to do is, but obviously it's a Grand Slam. I would like the opportunity to play." World number 164 Vavassori turfed out the former world number one in straight sets in the Spanish capital. Murray was also knocked out in the first round at the Monte Carlo Masters a fortnight ago, describing it as "demoralising" and "awful". "Second set started to get into it a bit more. Was playing I think a bit better, some positive signs," Murray said on Thursday. "Some of the errors are hard to explain." Also read: Tennis: Former world number one Simona Halep questions long delay in doping hearing Vavassori broke world number 52 Murray twice to take a 4-0 lead in the first set before serving out, with his opponent unable to force a single break point. The 27-year-old broke again for 2-1 in the second set but fired into the net to allow his opponent back in to level at 4-4, with Murray celebrating furiously. Vavassori committed a double fault at match point in the tie-break and then hit the net with another shot, before Murray saved a third match point on serve. The Briton saved a fourth too, but the Italian clinched victory at the fifth time of asking when Murray erred badly at the net. It is the first time two-time winner Murray has fallen at the first hurdle in Madrid in 12 appearances. Earlier, Austria's Dominic Thiem beat Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-1 to set up a second-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray hopes to play French Open despite early Madrid exit

Canada's Bianca Andreescu won a first-round battle of former US Open champions, defeating Britain's Emma Raducanu 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 on Wednesday to advance to the second round of the Miami Open. There was further bad news for Britain with two-time Miami winner Andy Murray crashing out in the first round after a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Serbia's Dusan Lajovic.

Andreescu and Raducanu, both born near Toronto and both of whom won the US Open as teenagers, battled for 2.5 hours in an entertaining opening to the WTA and ATP combined tournament's main draw.

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Andreescu, ranked 31st in the world, struck the ball with confidence and freedom as she dominated the first set, but Raducanu regrouped and fought back in the second. The 2021 US Open winner went 5-3 up in the set after an epic game which she secured with her seventh break point and went on to force a third set.

But Andreescu's power proved to be too much for the tiring Raducanu, who had shown promising signs of an upturn in form by reaching the last 16 at Indian Wells.

"I thought it was a very good match from both sides. I think Emma played really well. I think the key for me was just sticking with it, fighting as much as I could," said Andreescu, who struck seven aces.

- Injury concern -

The Canadian has a tough test in the next round, where she will face seventh seed Maria Sakkari of Greece.

For the 20-year-old Raducanu, though, there was yet another injury concern with her reporting pain with her wrist.

"It's something I've been managing for some time. I just need to review after this tournament really and figure out what my next steps are," she said, adding that she may get a fresh pair of eyes to look at the problem.

World number one Iga Swiatek of Poland withdrew from the tournament on Wednesday citing a rib injury.

Murray has made a reasonably promising start to the year, reaching the final in Doha but he was well below-par as he crashed out to 76th ranked, 32-year-old Lajovic.

The Serb took his chances - winning 72 per cent of second-serve points and saved two of the three break points he faced, while converting all three opportunities on Murray's serve.

At 5-4 down in the second, Murray showed his grit to break Lajovic and raise hopes of a comeback but he was quickly broken back as he paid the price for some mis-timed strokes.

"Some days you don't hit the ball your best but my movement (also) wasn't quite there," said Murray who said he didn't see such a setback on the horizon. "I've been practising pretty well. It's a very different court, very bouncy and much faster than last week (in Indian Wells), very different to the practice courts and...I just struggled a bit," he said.

Canada's Bianca Andreescu won a first-round battle of former US Open champions, defeating Britain's Emma Raducanu 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 on Wednesday to advance to the second round of the Miami Open.

Canada's Bianca Andreescu won a first-round battle of former US Open champions, defeating Britain's Emma Raducanu 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 on Wednesday to advance to the second round of the Miami Open. There was further bad news for Britain with two-time Miami winner Andy Murray crashing out in the first round after a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Serbia's Dusan Lajovic. Andreescu and Raducanu, both born near Toronto and both of whom won the US Open as teenagers, battled for 2.5 hours in an entertaining opening to the WTA and ATP combined tournament's main draw. ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo finally breaks silence on his departure from Manchester United, says he has no regrets Andreescu, ranked 31st in the world, struck the ball with confidence and freedom as she dominated the first set, but Raducanu regrouped and fought back in the second. The 2021 US Open winner went 5-3 up in the set after an epic game which she secured with her seventh break point and went on to force a third set. But Andreescu's power proved to be too much for the tiring Raducanu, who had shown promising signs of an upturn in form by reaching the last 16 at Indian Wells. "I thought it was a very good match from both sides. I think Emma played really well. I think the key for me was just sticking with it, fighting as much as I could," said Andreescu, who struck seven aces. - Injury concern - The Canadian has a tough test in the next round, where she will face seventh seed Maria Sakkari of Greece. For the 20-year-old Raducanu, though, there was yet another injury concern with her reporting pain with her wrist. "It's something I've been managing for some time. I just need to review after this tournament really and figure out what my next steps are," she said, adding that she may get a fresh pair of eyes to look at the problem. World number one Iga Swiatek of Poland withdrew from the tournament on Wednesday citing a rib injury. Murray has made a reasonably promising start to the year, reaching the final in Doha but he was well below-par as he crashed out to 76th ranked, 32-year-old Lajovic. The Serb took his chances - winning 72 per cent of second-serve points and saved two of the three break points he faced, while converting all three opportunities on Murray's serve. At 5-4 down in the second, Murray showed his grit to break Lajovic and raise hopes of a comeback but he was quickly broken back as he paid the price for some mis-timed strokes. "Some days you don't hit the ball your best but my movement (also) wasn't quite there," said Murray who said he didn't see such a setback on the horizon. "I've been practising pretty well. It's a very different court, very bouncy and much faster than last week (in Indian Wells), very different to the practice courts and...I just struggled a bit," he said.

Miami Open: Britain's Andy Murray crashes out in first round, outgoing Emma Raducanu suffers injury

Former world number one Andy Murray made it through another tough match on Thursday rallying from a set down to beat Tomas Etcheverry and reaches the second round of the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters 1000. The Briton, who has made a habit of great escapes this year, needed three hours and 12 minutes to subdue the Argentinean 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-4.

"Some of the matches I've played this year I haven't deserved to win all of them," said Murray, who won a five-setter lasting more than five hours at the Australian Open and in Doha last month overcame eight match points in four matches before falling to Daniil Medvedev in the final.

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Thursday offered a bit less drama, but Murray, grinding back toward the top 40 after hip replacement surgery in 2019, had to fight off two break points in the eighth game of the third set. He needed five chances to get the decisive break in the next game, finally converting when Etcheverry, riding high after reaching the final in Santiago last week, double-faulted.

They arrived at match point after three hours and nine minutes, Murray missing his first chance when his drop shot attempt spun wide. Three minutes later he polished it off with an ace.

Murray improved to 7-0 in decisive sets this year and booked a meeting with 15th-seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

After injuries threatened his career, Murray, owner of three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals, said he wants to enjoy the final act of his career.

"I really want to make the most of these last years that I've got," he said. "I want to keep going, I still feel extremely motivated."

Murray was one of a string of former Grand Slam winners in first-round action as the 32 men's and women's seeds -- led by Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek -- enjoyed byes.

Former world number one Andy Murray made it through another tough match on Thursday rallying from a set down to beat Tomas Etcheverry and reaches the second round of the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters 1000.

Former world number one Andy Murray made it through another tough match on Thursday rallying from a set down to beat Tomas Etcheverry and reaches the second round of the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters 1000. The Briton, who has made a habit of great escapes this year, needed three hours and 12 minutes to subdue the Argentinean 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-4. "Some of the matches I've played this year I haven't deserved to win all of them," said Murray, who won a five-setter lasting more than five hours at the Australian Open and in Doha last month overcame eight match points in four matches before falling to Daniil Medvedev in the final. ALSO READ: Ex-NBA star Shawn Kemp freed from jail after lawyers claim he fired in ‘self-defence’ Thursday offered a bit less drama, but Murray, grinding back toward the top 40 after hip replacement surgery in 2019, had to fight off two break points in the eighth game of the third set. He needed five chances to get the decisive break in the next game, finally converting when Etcheverry, riding high after reaching the final in Santiago last week, double-faulted. They arrived at match point after three hours and nine minutes, Murray missing his first chance when his drop shot attempt spun wide. Three minutes later he polished it off with an ace. Murray improved to 7-0 in decisive sets this year and booked a meeting with 15th-seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta. After injuries threatened his career, Murray, owner of three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals, said he wants to enjoy the final act of his career. "I really want to make the most of these last years that I've got," he said. "I want to keep going, I still feel extremely motivated." Murray was one of a string of former Grand Slam winners in first-round action as the 32 men's and women's seeds -- led by Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek -- enjoyed byes.

Indian Wells: Ageing Andy Murray breaks another tough-match barrier with win over Tomas Etcheverry

Andy Murray has said he will "not be going nuts" if Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to feature at this year's Wimbledon, even though the British tennis great would have mixed emotions regarding their return. Murray, 35, received the ATP's Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for 2022 after donating more than £500,000 ($592,000, 562,000 euros) in prize money to help children in Ukraine affected by Russia's invasion, but has previously said he was "not supportive" of last year's ban.

<h3>Ban to be lifted on Russian players?</h3>

British media reports last week suggested the ban was about to be lifted, with three-time major winner Murray telling the BBC: "It's a really difficult one and I do feel for the players who weren't able to play last year -- but I also understand the situation and why it's really hard for Wimbledon to make a call on it as well."

The Scot added: "My understanding is that they are going to be allowed to play and I'm not going to be going nuts if that is the case.

"But if Wimbledon went down another route, I would be understanding of that."

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the UK's governing Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) came under pressure from the British government to impose a ban. Russian and Belarusian players were eventually barred from all five ATP tournaments staged by the LTA, including the longstanding Queen's Club event in London. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which runs Wimbledon, imposed a similar suspension.

The ATP, which runs the men's professional tour, responded to last year's ban by hitting British tennis with a $1 million fine, split between a $750,000 punishment for the LTA and a $250,000 penalty for the AELTC. Both the ATP and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) also stripped Wimbledon of its ranking points.

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-aims-to-emulate-sunil-gavaskars-elite-feat-in-test-series-finale-in-ahmedabad-569904">IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma aims to emulate Sunil Gavaskar's elite feat in Test series finale in Ahmedabad</a></h3>

<h3>Elena Rybakina’s triumph overshadows Russian ban</h3>

Ironically, the women's singles title was won by Russian-born Elena Rybakina representing Kazakhstan. There are now fears that if the ban remains in place, leading events such as Queen's and Eastbourne could be removed from Britain, with yet more huge fines to follow. None of the sport's three other Grand Slams in Australia, France and the United States have imposed similar bans.

Players from Russia and Belarus also continue to feature at tour events although they are prevented from competing under the name or flag of their countries. This year's Wimbledon runs from July 3-16.

Andy Murray has said he will "not be going nuts" if Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to feature at this year's Wimbledon, even though the British tennis great would have mixed emotions regarding their return.

Andy Murray has said he will "not be going nuts" if Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to feature at this year's Wimbledon, even though the British tennis great would have mixed emotions regarding their return. Murray, 35, received the ATP's Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for 2022 after donating more than £500,000 ($592,000, 562,000 euros) in prize money to help children in Ukraine affected by Russia's invasion, but has previously said he was "not supportive" of last year's ban. Ban to be lifted on Russian players? British media reports last week suggested the ban was about to be lifted, with three-time major winner Murray telling the BBC: "It's a really difficult one and I do feel for the players who weren't able to play last year -- but I also understand the situation and why it's really hard for Wimbledon to make a call on it as well." The Scot added: "My understanding is that they are going to be allowed to play and I'm not going to be going nuts if that is the case. "But if Wimbledon went down another route, I would be understanding of that." Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the UK's governing Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) came under pressure from the British government to impose a ban. Russian and Belarusian players were eventually barred from all five ATP tournaments staged by the LTA, including the longstanding Queen's Club event in London. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which runs Wimbledon, imposed a similar suspension. The ATP, which runs the men's professional tour, responded to last year's ban by hitting British tennis with a $1 million fine, split between a $750,000 punishment for the LTA and a $250,000 penalty for the AELTC. Both the ATP and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) also stripped Wimbledon of its ranking points. ALSO READ | IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma aims to emulate Sunil Gavaskar's elite feat in Test series finale in Ahmedabad Elena Rybakina’s triumph overshadows Russian ban Ironically, the women's singles title was won by Russian-born Elena Rybakina representing Kazakhstan. There are now fears that if the ban remains in place, leading events such as Queen's and Eastbourne could be removed from Britain, with yet more huge fines to follow. None of the sport's three other Grand Slams in Australia, France and the United States have imposed similar bans. Players from Russia and Belarus also continue to feature at tour events although they are prevented from competing under the name or flag of their countries. This year's Wimbledon runs from July 3-16.

Former champion Andy Murray 'won't go nuts' if Wimbledon scraps Russia ban

Former world number one Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;produced one of his greatest ever comebacks to sink home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis in a titanic second-round thriller at the Australian Open in the early hours of Friday morning.

The 35-year-old Scot looked down and out against an inspired Kokkinakis as he trailed by two sets and 2-5 but displayed his trademark warrior spirit to somehow claw out a 4-6 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 7-5 victory after five hours and 45 minutes.

When&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;finally got the job done in what was his 250th Grand Slam match, the clock was just past 4.05am local time but a sizeable and vociferous crowd had remained glued to their seats inside the Margaret Court Arena.

It was another stupendous effort from the three-time Grand Slam champion whose career has been littered by such battles and who has stubbornly refused to call it a day since having a partly metal hip inserted in 2019.

Bizarrely he will now play Roberto Bautista Agut, the man who beat him at the 2019 Australian Open, after which&nbsp;Murray's career appeared to be over because of the hip condition.

While it felt absurd to have elite sport going on at such an hour,&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;simply did not care as he showed again his insatiable appetite for a scrap.

The 26-year-old Kokkinakis, whose own career has been too often blighted by injuries, dominated the opening two sets with the kind of aggressive tennis and ball-striking that made a mockery of his world ranking of 159.

Murray's resistance looked over when Kokkinakis led 5-2 in the third set with the Australian on the verge of his biggest career win. But&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;would not go away.

Kokkinakis got tight with the finishing line in sight and the venom gradually went out of his shots as&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;threw caution to the wind and locked on to his target.

Relentlessly&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;ground his way back into the contest to set up a deciding fifth set, sealing the fourth set with a second-serve ace.

A weary-looking Kokkinakis did not capitulate and the raucous atmosphere inside the stadium revived him early in set five as he kept his nose in front on serve.

There was pandemonium when he saved four break points at 3-3 and Kokkinakis was within two points of victory when&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;served at 4-5 in the decider.

But&nbsp;Murray's greater experience of such duels enabled him to get the crucial break of serve in the following game with a stunning forehand winner before sealing victory in the next game on his first match point with a backhand winner.

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Former world number one Andy Murray produced one of his greatest ever comebacks to sink home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis in a titanic second-round thriller at the Australian Open in the early hours of Friday morning.

Former world number one Andy Murray produced one of his greatest ever comebacks to sink home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis in a titanic second-round thriller at the Australian Open in the early hours of Friday morning. The 35-year-old Scot looked down and out against an inspired Kokkinakis as he trailed by two sets and 2-5 but displayed his trademark warrior spirit to somehow claw out a 4-6 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 7-5 victory after five hours and 45 minutes. When Murray finally got the job done in what was his 250th Grand Slam match, the clock was just past 4.05am local time but a sizeable and vociferous crowd had remained glued to their seats inside the Margaret Court Arena. It was another stupendous effort from the three-time Grand Slam champion whose career has been littered by such battles and who has stubbornly refused to call it a day since having a partly metal hip inserted in 2019. Bizarrely he will now play Roberto Bautista Agut, the man who beat him at the 2019 Australian Open, after which Murray's career appeared to be over because of the hip condition. While it felt absurd to have elite sport going on at such an hour, Murray simply did not care as he showed again his insatiable appetite for a scrap. The 26-year-old Kokkinakis, whose own career has been too often blighted by injuries, dominated the opening two sets with the kind of aggressive tennis and ball-striking that made a mockery of his world ranking of 159. Murray's resistance looked over when Kokkinakis led 5-2 in the third set with the Australian on the verge of his biggest career win. But Murray would not go away. Kokkinakis got tight with the finishing line in sight and the venom gradually went out of his shots as Murray threw caution to the wind and locked on to his target. Relentlessly Murray ground his way back into the contest to set up a deciding fifth set, sealing the fourth set with a second-serve ace. A weary-looking Kokkinakis did not capitulate and the raucous atmosphere inside the stadium revived him early in set five as he kept his nose in front on serve. There was pandemonium when he saved four break points at 3-3 and Kokkinakis was within two points of victory when Murray served at 4-5 in the decider. But Murray's greater experience of such duels enabled him to get the crucial break of serve in the following game with a stunning forehand winner before sealing victory in the next game on his first match point with a backhand winner. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian Open: Andy Murray grinds down Kokkinakis in late-night epic

Andy Murray stunned Italian 13th seed Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, saving a match point to prevail over five gruelling sets and book a spot in the Australian Open second round. 
The three-time Grand Slam champion has battled major hip and abdominal injuries for half a decade but declared himself free of pain and fired up before the tournament.&nbsp;

His renowned grit was on full display in toppling the Italian 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (10/6) in 4hrs 49mins under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena due to extreme heat.

It was a huge win for the 35-year-old Briton, now ranked 66, to knock out last year's semi-finalist for a landmark 50th match-win at the season-opening Grand Slam.

"I'll be feeling this evening and tomorrow, but right now I'm unbelievably happy and proud of myself," said Murray, a five-time runner-up at Melbourne Park.

"I've put a lot of work into the last few months with my team to give me this opportunity to perform on stadiums like this, in matches like this and against players like Matteo and it paid off tonight."

It was Murray's first victory over a top 20 player at a Grand Slam since defeating ninth-ranked Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals of the 2017 French Open.

The victory also brought up his 50th Australian Open match-win, becoming only the fifth man in the Open Era to achieve the feat alongside Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Stefan Edberg.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-and-belarusian-flags-banned-from-australian-open-after-ukraines-complaint-553391">Read more: Russian and Belarusian flags banned from Australian Open after Ukraine's complaint</a>

"I think some of the tennis at the end was really good, it felt like that playing," he said.

"He's a brilliant competitor, one of the best on tour, he always fights to the end and I did well to get through."&nbsp;

Coached by Ivan Lendl, who won the Melbourne Park title in 1989 and 1990, Murray broke once in the first set and twice in the second as the Italian struggled on his second serve while making a slew of unforced errors.

But Berrettini rallied in the third set with a break to move 3-2 clear and helped by six aces took it to a fourth set.

Nothing separated them and it went to a seesawing tiebreak that the Italian won on his third set point when Murray sent a forehand long.

Berrettini earned a match point 5-4 in the fifth but netted an easy half-volley to waste the opportunity and it again went to a tiebreak where an early break for Murray gave him the edge and he clung on.

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Andy Murray stunned Italian 13th seed Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, saving a match point to prevail over five gruelling sets and book a spot in the Australian Open second round.

Andy Murray stunned Italian 13th seed Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, saving a match point to prevail over five gruelling sets and book a spot in the Australian Open second round. The three-time Grand Slam champion has battled major hip and abdominal injuries for half a decade but declared himself free of pain and fired up before the tournament. His renowned grit was on full display in toppling the Italian 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (10/6) in 4hrs 49mins under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena due to extreme heat. It was a huge win for the 35-year-old Briton, now ranked 66, to knock out last year's semi-finalist for a landmark 50th match-win at the season-opening Grand Slam. "I'll be feeling this evening and tomorrow, but right now I'm unbelievably happy and proud of myself," said Murray, a five-time runner-up at Melbourne Park. "I've put a lot of work into the last few months with my team to give me this opportunity to perform on stadiums like this, in matches like this and against players like Matteo and it paid off tonight." It was Murray's first victory over a top 20 player at a Grand Slam since defeating ninth-ranked Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals of the 2017 French Open. The victory also brought up his 50th Australian Open match-win, becoming only the fifth man in the Open Era to achieve the feat alongside Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Stefan Edberg. Read more: Russian and Belarusian flags banned from Australian Open after Ukraine's complaint "I think some of the tennis at the end was really good, it felt like that playing," he said. "He's a brilliant competitor, one of the best on tour, he always fights to the end and I did well to get through." Coached by Ivan Lendl, who won the Melbourne Park title in 1989 and 1990, Murray broke once in the first set and twice in the second as the Italian struggled on his second serve while making a slew of unforced errors. But Berrettini rallied in the third set with a break to move 3-2 clear and helped by six aces took it to a fourth set. Nothing separated them and it went to a seesawing tiebreak that the Italian won on his third set point when Murray sent a forehand long. Berrettini earned a match point 5-4 in the fifth but netted an easy half-volley to waste the opportunity and it again went to a tiebreak where an early break for Murray gave him the edge and he clung on. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian Open: Murray outlasts Berrettini after an epic five-setter in the first round

Andy Murray was named as the 2022 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award recipient in recognition of his support for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of its neighbour, with the former world number one raising more than $630,000. Briton Murray, a three-times Grand Slam champion, said in March he would donate all his prize money won from tournaments in the year towards aid efforts for children affected by the war, which Russia has called a "special military operation".

"Houses were bombed and families were displaced," Murray said in a statement. "Young children were affected by this, with many injured and in some cases dying. I wasn't sure what I could do to help.

"I decided that from Indian Wells onwards, I would donate my prize money for the rest of the season to UNICEF's humanitarian response -- the final total was just over $630,000.

"It seemed like something that would give me some extra motivation this year. I thought I could also raise awareness and hopefully get others involved in helping, too."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-yograj-singhs-advice-helped-arjun-tendulkar-match-his-fathers-ranji-trophy-record-on-debut-543474">How Yograj Singh's advice helped Arjun Tendulkar match his father's Ranji Trophy record on debut</a>

Murray's individual total falls just below a joint donation of $700,000 made by the ATP, WTA, ITF as well as the four Grand Slams earlier this year. Former world number one Roger Federer had also donated $500,000.

"There are 7.5 million children in Ukraine and after more than nine months of increased conflict, 5.2 million of them are in need of assistance," Murray said.

"When you see images of children on the news who were impacted... that makes it even more difficult to stomach. I have four young children who are fortunate everything is fine with them... But being a parent, it affects you differently."

Tatyana Fannouch, a UNICEF Programme Specialist said from Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, that Murray's donation meant they could provided medical supplies and services to children including those who fled their homes for safety.

"We've reached vulnerable families in hard-to-reach areas with life-saving supplies and protection services. For all this support that you (Murray) provided for the children of Ukraine, thank you," Fannouch said.

Andy Murray was named as the 2022 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award recipient in recognition of his support for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of its neighbour, with the former world number one raising more than $630,000.

Andy Murray was named as the 2022 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award recipient in recognition of his support for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of its neighbour, with the former world number one raising more than $630,000. Briton Murray, a three-times Grand Slam champion, said in March he would donate all his prize money won from tournaments in the year towards aid efforts for children affected by the war, which Russia has called a "special military operation". "Houses were bombed and families were displaced," Murray said in a statement. "Young children were affected by this, with many injured and in some cases dying. I wasn't sure what I could do to help. "I decided that from Indian Wells onwards, I would donate my prize money for the rest of the season to UNICEF's humanitarian response -- the final total was just over $630,000. "It seemed like something that would give me some extra motivation this year. I thought I could also raise awareness and hopefully get others involved in helping, too." ALSO READ: How Yograj Singh's advice helped Arjun Tendulkar match his father's Ranji Trophy record on debut Murray's individual total falls just below a joint donation of $700,000 made by the ATP, WTA, ITF as well as the four Grand Slams earlier this year. Former world number one Roger Federer had also donated $500,000. "There are 7.5 million children in Ukraine and after more than nine months of increased conflict, 5.2 million of them are in need of assistance," Murray said. "When you see images of children on the news who were impacted... that makes it even more difficult to stomach. I have four young children who are fortunate everything is fine with them... But being a parent, it affects you differently." Tatyana Fannouch, a UNICEF Programme Specialist said from Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, that Murray's donation meant they could provided medical supplies and services to children including those who fled their homes for safety. "We've reached vulnerable families in hard-to-reach areas with life-saving supplies and protection services. For all this support that you (Murray) provided for the children of Ukraine, thank you," Fannouch said.

Andy Murray receives 2022 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for raising funds for war-hit Ukraine

Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;moved on to the second round of the Gijon Open on Tuesday (October 11) with a 7-5 6-2 win over Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina. The Brit was down a break early in the first set before settling into the match and taking the set 7-5.&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;then stormed into a 5-1 lead in the second set before the Spaniard saved a match point with a delightful drop shot.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-reaches-astana-open-final-after-daniil-medvedev-retires-in-semis-on-verge-of-90th-title-523749">Novak Djokovic reaches Astana Open final after Daniil Medvedev retires in semis, on verge of 90th title</a>

Davidovich Fokina faced another match point in the following game but another attempted drop shot failed and secured victory for the Brit. Murray&nbsp;now faces the winner of Wednesday's (October 12) match between Pedro Cachin and Alexey Vatutin.

Andy Murray moved on to the second round of the Gijon Open on Tuesday (October 11) with a 7-5 6-2 win over Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina. The Brit was down a break early in the first set before settling into the match and taking the set 7-5.

Andy Murray moved on to the second round of the Gijon Open on Tuesday (October 11) with a 7-5 6-2 win over Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina. The Brit was down a break early in the first set before settling into the match and taking the set 7-5. Murray then stormed into a 5-1 lead in the second set before the Spaniard saved a match point with a delightful drop shot. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic reaches Astana Open final after Daniil Medvedev retires in semis, on verge of 90th title Davidovich Fokina faced another match point in the following game but another attempted drop shot failed and secured victory for the Brit. Murray now faces the winner of Wednesday's (October 12) match between Pedro Cachin and Alexey Vatutin.

Gijon Open: Andy Murray beats Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina 7-5, 6-2 to progress to second round

Last week, Roger Federer shocked one and all by announcing that he will step aside from tennis post the Laver Cup. The Laver Cup 2022 edition will kick off on September 23 and will be held at the&nbsp;O2 Arena in London till September 25 (Sunday). Hence, many will be glued to their TV sets to see Federer in action for one last time as he is set to bid farewell to the game; bringing an end to his illustrious journey where he won 103 singles titles in a career spanning over 24 years.

The Laver Cup is always a keenly-awaited tournament as it gives fans an opportunity to witness some of the biggest names in men's tennis to play with each other. Team Europe, who have won all the editions so far, will feature the likes of Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andy Murray as they will take on Team World in the three-day event. Team World, on the other hand, will feature&nbsp;Felix Auger-Aliassime, Frances Tiafoe, Diego Schwartzman, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz and&nbsp;Jack Sock.

When is the Laver Cup?

The Laver Cup will get underway on September 23, Friday and will conclude on September 25 (Sunday).

How does the Laver Cup work?

The showpiece event is comprised of five sessions over the course of three days&nbsp;(Friday – Sunday). Singles and doubles matches are played on each day. The matches that will be played on the opening day will be worth a point. Meanwhile, the fixtures to be held on the second day will be of two points and the final day's ties will comprise of three points. Each player must play at least one singles match in the first two days of the competition. In addition, no player can play singles more than twice.

At least four players from each team must play doubles but no pair can be repeated. The tournament is a best-of-three-sets format, but the third set is a 10-point match tiebreaker if the opening two ends in a 1-1 stalemate. The team reaching to 13 points will be declared the winner whereas a decider will be held in case of a 12-12 scoreline.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-sport-has-given-me-everythig-roger-federer-wants-to-stay-connected-to-tennis-after-retirement-518267">'The sport has given me everything': Roger Federer wants to stay connected to tennis after retirement</a>

What is the schedule of the Laver Cup 2022 edition?

Friday September 23, 2022

1.00pm Day Session

Match 1 – Singles

Match 2 – Singles

7.00pm – Night Session

Match 3 – Singles

Match 4 – Doubles

Saturday September 24, 2022

1.00pm Day Session

Match 5 – Singles

Match 6 – Singles

7.00pm – Night Session

Match 7 – Singles

Match 8 – Doubles

Sunday September 25, 2022

12.00pm – Day Session

Match 9 – Doubles

Match 10 – Singles*

Match 11 – Singles*

Match 12 – Singles*

*if required

(All times BST)

Is the Laver Cup on TV?

The Laver Cup's telecast will be on the Sony Sports Network whereas the live streaming will be available&nbsp;on SonyLIV app and website.

Last week, Roger Federer shocked one and all by announcing that he will step aside from tennis post the Laver Cup. The Laver Cup 2022 edition will kick off on September 23 and will be held at the O2 Arena in London till September 25 (Sunday).

Last week, Roger Federer shocked one and all by announcing that he will step aside from tennis post the Laver Cup. The Laver Cup 2022 edition will kick off on September 23 and will be held at the O2 Arena in London till September 25 (Sunday). Hence, many will be glued to their TV sets to see Federer in action for one last time as he is set to bid farewell to the game; bringing an end to his illustrious journey where he won 103 singles titles in a career spanning over 24 years. The Laver Cup is always a keenly-awaited tournament as it gives fans an opportunity to witness some of the biggest names in men's tennis to play with each other. Team Europe, who have won all the editions so far, will feature the likes of Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andy Murray as they will take on Team World in the three-day event. Team World, on the other hand, will feature Felix Auger-Aliassime, Frances Tiafoe, Diego Schwartzman, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz and Jack Sock. When is the Laver Cup? The Laver Cup will get underway on September 23, Friday and will conclude on September 25 (Sunday). How does the Laver Cup work? The showpiece event is comprised of five sessions over the course of three days (Friday – Sunday). Singles and doubles matches are played on each day. The matches that will be played on the opening day will be worth a point. Meanwhile, the fixtures to be held on the second day will be of two points and the final day's ties will comprise of three points. Each player must play at least one singles match in the first two days of the competition. In addition, no player can play singles more than twice. At least four players from each team must play doubles but no pair can be repeated. The tournament is a best-of-three-sets format, but the third set is a 10-point match tiebreaker if the opening two ends in a 1-1 stalemate. The team reaching to 13 points will be declared the winner whereas a decider will be held in case of a 12-12 scoreline. ALSO READ | 'The sport has given me everything': Roger Federer wants to stay connected to tennis after retirement What is the schedule of the Laver Cup 2022 edition? Friday September 23, 2022 1.00pm Day Session Match 1 – Singles Match 2 – Singles 7.00pm – Night Session Match 3 – Singles Match 4 – Doubles Saturday September 24, 2022 1.00pm Day Session Match 5 – Singles Match 6 – Singles 7.00pm – Night Session Match 7 – Singles Match 8 – Doubles Sunday September 25, 2022 12.00pm – Day Session Match 9 – Doubles Match 10 – Singles* Match 11 – Singles* Match 12 – Singles* *if required (All times BST) Is the Laver Cup on TV? The Laver Cup's telecast will be on the Sony Sports Network whereas the live streaming will be available on SonyLIV app and website.

EXPLAINED: What is Laver Cup and its format? Everything to know about Roger Federer's farewell event

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