Andy Murray said he was hoping for a "special" final chance to share a court with Roger Federer at next week's Laver Cup in London and possibly team up to play doubles before the Swiss great retires from the sport.

Federer, 41, who redefined the sport with his artistry and grace and collected 20 Grand Slam titles, announced on Thursday that injury issues meant he would call time on his glittering career after the men's team event.

Murray and Federer will join fellow "Big Four" members Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic when they play on the same team for the first time at the Sept. 23-25 Laver Cup.

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"Maybe I (will) get the opportunity to share a court with him in doubles or something like that. That would be really special," Murray after he and Joe Salisbury lost a deciding doubles tie for Britain in the Davis Cup on Friday.

"I don't know how much he will be able to play. I haven't spoken to him about that."

Murray lost the 2012 Wimbledon final to Federer before beating him to Olympic gold, while the pair also contested the Australian Open and U.S. Open finals.

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"I was lucky to get to compete against him in some of the biggest matches, in the biggest tournaments, on the biggest stages in our sport," added Murray, who last played Federer competitively in 2015.

"At the time I probably didn't appreciate it as much, but looking back, it's pretty amazing... It's a sad, sad day for the sport."

Andy Murray said he was hoping for a "special" final chance to share a court with Roger Federer at next week's Laver Cup in London and possibly team up to play doubles before the Swiss great retires from the sport.

Andy Murray said he was hoping for a "special" final chance to share a court with Roger Federer at next week's Laver Cup in London and possibly team up to play doubles before the Swiss great retires from the sport. Federer, 41, who redefined the sport with his artistry and grace and collected 20 Grand Slam titles, announced on Thursday that injury issues meant he would call time on his glittering career after the men's team event. Murray and Federer will join fellow "Big Four" members Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic when they play on the same team for the first time at the Sept. 23-25 Laver Cup. Also Read: Roger Federer retires: A Black Swan in tennis and GOAT beyond numbers "Maybe I (will) get the opportunity to share a court with him in doubles or something like that. That would be really special," Murray after he and Joe Salisbury lost a deciding doubles tie for Britain in the Davis Cup on Friday. "I don't know how much he will be able to play. I haven't spoken to him about that." Murray lost the 2012 Wimbledon final to Federer before beating him to Olympic gold, while the pair also contested the Australian Open and U.S. Open finals. Also Read: Roger Federer gives classy response to Rafael Nadal's heartfelt message for him on retirement "I was lucky to get to compete against him in some of the biggest matches, in the biggest tournaments, on the biggest stages in our sport," added Murray, who last played Federer competitively in 2015. "At the time I probably didn't appreciate it as much, but looking back, it's pretty amazing... It's a sad, sad day for the sport."

Andy Murray hoping for final chance to play with Roger Federer at Laver Cup 2022

Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;said he feels really good physically but does&nbsp;not&nbsp;expect to&nbsp;play&nbsp;in Britain's&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;Finals campaign amid stiff competition in the squad. Britain's team features Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans, both of whom are in the top 25, as well as the first and third-ranked men's doubles&nbsp;players Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski.

Murray, who led Britain to their first&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;title for 79 years in 2015 and last&nbsp;played in the competition in 2019, has struggled to regain top form since undergoing two hip surgeries and is currently ranked 43rd in the world.

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"I don't expect to&nbsp;play," the 35-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "Every one of us sitting up here deserves the opportunity to compete. If I don't&nbsp;play&nbsp;at all, I trust the&nbsp;players who go out there will do a great job and win matches for us. You just try to be the best team mate you can."

Murray&nbsp;added that he regretted his decision to skip the 2021 edition of the tournament.

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"I was tired and I wasn't sure if it was something that I necessarily wanted to still be involved with," said&nbsp;Murray, who lost in the third round of the U.S. Open this month. But, as soon as I turned the matches on and started watching, I thought: 'What am I doing? This was a mistake.' Physically I feel really good just now. This is the best I've felt in a long time."

Britain begin their campaign against the United States later on Wednesday. The top eight teams from the group stage advance to the knockout rounds, which take place in Malaga in November.

Andy Murray said he feels really good physically but does not expect to play in Britain's Davis Cup Finals campaign amid stiff competition in the squad. Britain's team features Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans, both of whom are in the top 25, as well as the first and third-ranked men's doubles players Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski.

Andy Murray said he feels really good physically but does not expect to play in Britain's Davis Cup Finals campaign amid stiff competition in the squad. Britain's team features Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans, both of whom are in the top 25, as well as the first and third-ranked men's doubles players Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski. Murray, who led Britain to their first Davis Cup title for 79 years in 2015 and last played in the competition in 2019, has struggled to regain top form since undergoing two hip surgeries and is currently ranked 43rd in the world. ALSO READ: Davis Cup 2022: Jason Kubler and Alex de Minaur lift Australia past Belgium in group stage opener "I don't expect to play," the 35-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "Every one of us sitting up here deserves the opportunity to compete. If I don't play at all, I trust the players who go out there will do a great job and win matches for us. You just try to be the best team mate you can." Murray added that he regretted his decision to skip the 2021 edition of the tournament. ALSO READ: Social media sensation Hasbulla Magomedov pens five-year deal with UFC "I was tired and I wasn't sure if it was something that I necessarily wanted to still be involved with," said Murray, who lost in the third round of the U.S. Open this month. But, as soon as I turned the matches on and started watching, I thought: 'What am I doing? This was a mistake.' Physically I feel really good just now. This is the best I've felt in a long time." Britain begin their campaign against the United States later on Wednesday. The top eight teams from the group stage advance to the knockout rounds, which take place in Malaga in November.

'I don't expect to play'- Andy Murray casts a shadow over his participation in the Davis Cup

Former champion Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;reached the US Open third round for the first time in six years on Wednesday with a four-set win over American wildcard Emilio Nava.&nbsp;Murray, who famously ended Britain's 76-year wait for a men's Grand Slam title when he won the US Open in 2012, came out on top 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-0.

"Physically this is the best I've felt in the last few years," said 35-year-old&nbsp;Murray. "My movement is by far the best it's been in a long time. I'm getting closer to where I want to be and hopefully I can have a deep run here." Nava, ranked 203 in the world, claimed a gruelling 84-minute first set with an impressive crosscourt forehand winner.

But the 20-year-old, who had needed five sets to see off John Millman in the first round, eventually ran out of steam, winning just four more games and ending the contest with 56 unforced errors. "He was dictating the points in the first set," said&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;of his opponent. "But then I was hitting it deeper and was able to control the points. "He played his first five-set match in the first round and that can be very tough, I think his level dropped but he will have a bright future."

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Murray&nbsp;last made the third round in 2016 on his way to the quarter-finals. If he is to progress further, he may have to get past world number 14 Matteo Berrettini, a semi-finalist in New York in 2019. Berrettini defeated&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;in the final of the Stuttgart grasscourt tournament in June.

"He's had a bit of an unlucky year," said&nbsp;Murray. "I know he got Covid at the beginning of Wimbledon. When he has been on the court he's done really well. "We played a tough three-set match in Stuttgart. I'm expecting it to be really difficult but if I play well and my return's on point then I've got a good chance."

Former champion Andy Murray reached the US Open third round for the first time in six years on Wednesday with a four-set win over American wildcard Emilio Nava. Murray, who famously ended Britain's 76-year wait for a men's Grand Slam title when he won the US Open in 2012, came out on top 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-0.

Former champion Andy Murray reached the US Open third round for the first time in six years on Wednesday with a four-set win over American wildcard Emilio Nava. Murray, who famously ended Britain's 76-year wait for a men's Grand Slam title when he won the US Open in 2012, came out on top 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-0. "Physically this is the best I've felt in the last few years," said 35-year-old Murray. "My movement is by far the best it's been in a long time. I'm getting closer to where I want to be and hopefully I can have a deep run here." Nava, ranked 203 in the world, claimed a gruelling 84-minute first set with an impressive crosscourt forehand winner. But the 20-year-old, who had needed five sets to see off John Millman in the first round, eventually ran out of steam, winning just four more games and ending the contest with 56 unforced errors. "He was dictating the points in the first set," said Murray of his opponent. "But then I was hitting it deeper and was able to control the points. "He played his first five-set match in the first round and that can be very tough, I think his level dropped but he will have a bright future." ALSO READ | Serena Williams marches on in US Open, beats No.2 seed Anett Kontaveit Murray last made the third round in 2016 on his way to the quarter-finals. If he is to progress further, he may have to get past world number 14 Matteo Berrettini, a semi-finalist in New York in 2019. Berrettini defeated Murray in the final of the Stuttgart grasscourt tournament in June. "He's had a bit of an unlucky year," said Murray. "I know he got Covid at the beginning of Wimbledon. When he has been on the court he's done really well. "We played a tough three-set match in Stuttgart. I'm expecting it to be really difficult but if I play well and my return's on point then I've got a good chance."

Former champion Andy Murray enters US Open last 32 for first time in six years

Andy Murray powered into the second round of the U.S. Open with a comfortable 7-5 6-3 6-3 win over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo on Monday, as the former world number one rolled back the years at the scene of his first Grand Slam triumph a decade ago.

The 35-year-old Scot, who has battled various injuries in recent years, raced to a 5-2 lead early in the match but dropped his level slightly before edging a tight first set and breaking quickly in the next to put 24th seed Cerundolo under pressure on a sweltering hot Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

"It is obviously nice any time, especially in those conditions and early on in a slam to get through in straight sets," said Murray. "He's a top player, it was a good win for me.

"Mentally it's not easy going into a five-set match in those conditions after the way the last few weeks have been for me, and I did well.

"I did well physically and mentally to put that to the back of my mind and find a way to get through."

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Murray staved off a comeback attempt by Cerundolo to take the second set for a commanding lead and showed little signs of stepping off the gas pedal, as his opponent continued to make life difficult for himself with unforced errors.

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A double break in the third set allowed twice Wimbledon champion Murray to surge ahead 4-1 and he sealed the win when Cerundolo sent a return long.&nbsp;

Murray next faces American wildcard Emilio Nava. 
&nbsp;

Andy Murray powered into the second round of the U.S. Open with a comfortable 7-5 6-3 6-3 win over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo on Monday, as the former world number one rolled back the years at the scene of his first Grand Slam triumph a decade ago.

Andy Murray powered into the second round of the U.S. Open with a comfortable 7-5 6-3 6-3 win over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo on Monday, as the former world number one rolled back the years at the scene of his first Grand Slam triumph a decade ago. The 35-year-old Scot, who has battled various injuries in recent years, raced to a 5-2 lead early in the match but dropped his level slightly before edging a tight first set and breaking quickly in the next to put 24th seed Cerundolo under pressure on a sweltering hot Arthur Ashe Stadium court. "It is obviously nice any time, especially in those conditions and early on in a slam to get through in straight sets," said Murray. "He's a top player, it was a good win for me. "Mentally it's not easy going into a five-set match in those conditions after the way the last few weeks have been for me, and I did well. "I did well physically and mentally to put that to the back of my mind and find a way to get through." Also Read: Serena Williams makes grand entry during R1, daughter Olympia clicks pictures of tennis star - WATCH Murray staved off a comeback attempt by Cerundolo to take the second set for a commanding lead and showed little signs of stepping off the gas pedal, as his opponent continued to make life difficult for himself with unforced errors. Also Read: US Open 2022 - Daniil Medvedev storms into second round with easy win over Stefan Kozlov A double break in the third set allowed twice Wimbledon champion Murray to surge ahead 4-1 and he sealed the win when Cerundolo sent a return long. Murray next faces American wildcard Emilio Nava.

Andy Murray downs error-prone Francisco Cerundolo to reach US Open second round

The former World No. 1 Andy Murray showed his fighting qualities on Monday as he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. Murray registered a hard-fought victory against long-time rival Stan Wawrinka 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-5 to advance to the next round. The 35-year-old Scot consistently found depth on his watertight groundstrokes as he forced the Swiss into making mistakes, who combined moments of erratic play. After both stayed firm on serve, a tie-break was left to decide the opener, with Murray claiming the set when Wawrinka shot a forehand long. In the third set, the Scot fought hard from 0-2 down, eventually breaking to lead 6-5 before successfully holding to triumph.

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"The court is pretty lively when the weather is like this. Physically I feel tired," Murray said in his on-court interview. "I had some issues with cramp during the match, the same as Washington, so that is something I need to get on top of. "I tried to take the ball on a little more and finish points at the net. I wasn`t that successful&nbsp;when I came up, but the intention was there. I was a little more offensive on the second-serve return. Last game I was just fighting, trying to find a way through," he added. "He is very different to how Stan plays, being a lefty. Flat on the backhand, heavy topspin on the forehand. We have spent a little bit of time on the court together, so there won`t be many surprises out there for me," Murray said when looking ahead to his match against Norrie.

The former World No. 1 Andy Murray showed his fighting qualities on Monday as he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.

The former World No. 1 Andy Murray showed his fighting qualities on Monday as he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. Murray registered a hard-fought victory against long-time rival Stan Wawrinka 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-5 to advance to the next round. The 35-year-old Scot consistently found depth on his watertight groundstrokes as he forced the Swiss into making mistakes, who combined moments of erratic play. After both stayed firm on serve, a tie-break was left to decide the opener, with Murray claiming the set when Wawrinka shot a forehand long. In the third set, the Scot fought hard from 0-2 down, eventually breaking to lead 6-5 before successfully holding to triumph. ALSO READ | Controversy erupts after spectator asked to remove Ukraine flag at Cincinnati Open by officials - WATCH "The court is pretty lively when the weather is like this. Physically I feel tired," Murray said in his on-court interview. "I had some issues with cramp during the match, the same as Washington, so that is something I need to get on top of. "I tried to take the ball on a little more and finish points at the net. I wasn`t that successful when I came up, but the intention was there. I was a little more offensive on the second-serve return. Last game I was just fighting, trying to find a way through," he added. "He is very different to how Stan plays, being a lefty. Flat on the backhand, heavy topspin on the forehand. We have spent a little bit of time on the court together, so there won`t be many surprises out there for me," Murray said when looking ahead to his match against Norrie.

Cincinnati Masters: Andy Murray goes past Stan Wawrinka to enter second round

Big-hitting American John Isner paid tribute to Andy Murray after sending the two times champion crashing out of Wimbledon 6-4 7-6(4) 6-7(3) 6-4 with a barrage of booming serves and aces in a second round clash on Wednesday.

While 37-year-old Isner strode closer to Ivo Karlovic`s aces record of 13,728 on the ATP Tour, Murray made his earliest exit despite battling back from the brink by winning a third set tiebreak. Murray had never previously lost to the American in eight meetings and cheers of `Let`s go Andy, let`s go` echoed around Centre Court before the roof came out and the hope faded along with the evening light.

"I am most definitely not a better tennis player than Andy Murray, I might have just been a little better than him today," said the 20th seed after the Scot had left the cheering court, waving as he went. "It was an incredible honour to play him on this court in front of this crowd. At the age I`m at now, I need to relish these moments. This was one of the biggest wins of my career," he added.

"To play as well as I did against one of our greatest players ever was a huge accomplishment for me. He`s a massive inspiration to each one of us in the locker room and we are so lucky to still have him around." 
Isner broke Murray in the third game of the first set and then held serve under heavy pressure in the next when the Scot, swooping in with backhand passes, had two chances to break straight back. The towering American made the most of his crushing serve, firing in five aces on his way to taking the set 6-4, while Murray`s delivery was more erratic but also packed a notable punch.

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Murray was in a deeper hole after losing the second set with number 20 seed Isner showing no let-up in his implacable first serve and dishing out another nine aces. The home favourite then found himself serving to stay in the match at 4-5 in the third set, overcoming that hurdle only for Isner to hold serve and pile on the pressure into the second tiebreak.

The fourth set went with serve before Isner again broke to go 3-2 up and needing only to then hold and serve out for victory. He hit his 35th ace of the match for 30-0, followed it up with number 36 for three match points and needed just one, a volley, to seal the deal. While the story was dominated by Isner`s serving prowess, he also produced some killer drop shots and returns to disarm his opponent. Asked how he had withstood the pressure, Isner was engagingly honest.

"I served," he said. "That`s really all it came down to. I guess I didn`t give him many opportunities to spin his web and get me tangled up in it. "I had an incredible serving day and I needed every single bit of it to beat him."

Big-hitting American John Isner paid tribute to Andy Murray after sending the two times champion crashing out of Wimbledon 6-4 7-6(4) 6-7(3) 6-4 with a barrage of booming serves and aces in a second round clash on Wednesday.

Big-hitting American John Isner paid tribute to Andy Murray after sending the two times champion crashing out of Wimbledon 6-4 7-6(4) 6-7(3) 6-4 with a barrage of booming serves and aces in a second round clash on Wednesday. While 37-year-old Isner strode closer to Ivo Karlovic`s aces record of 13,728 on the ATP Tour, Murray made his earliest exit despite battling back from the brink by winning a third set tiebreak. Murray had never previously lost to the American in eight meetings and cheers of `Let`s go Andy, let`s go` echoed around Centre Court before the roof came out and the hope faded along with the evening light. "I am most definitely not a better tennis player than Andy Murray, I might have just been a little better than him today," said the 20th seed after the Scot had left the cheering court, waving as he went. "It was an incredible honour to play him on this court in front of this crowd. At the age I`m at now, I need to relish these moments. This was one of the biggest wins of my career," he added. "To play as well as I did against one of our greatest players ever was a huge accomplishment for me. He`s a massive inspiration to each one of us in the locker room and we are so lucky to still have him around." Isner broke Murray in the third game of the first set and then held serve under heavy pressure in the next when the Scot, swooping in with backhand passes, had two chances to break straight back. The towering American made the most of his crushing serve, firing in five aces on his way to taking the set 6-4, while Murray`s delivery was more erratic but also packed a notable punch. ALSO READ | Emma Raducanu gets Wimbledon reality check from Caroline Garcia, loses R2 in straight sets Murray was in a deeper hole after losing the second set with number 20 seed Isner showing no let-up in his implacable first serve and dishing out another nine aces. The home favourite then found himself serving to stay in the match at 4-5 in the third set, overcoming that hurdle only for Isner to hold serve and pile on the pressure into the second tiebreak. The fourth set went with serve before Isner again broke to go 3-2 up and needing only to then hold and serve out for victory. He hit his 35th ace of the match for 30-0, followed it up with number 36 for three match points and needed just one, a volley, to seal the deal. While the story was dominated by Isner`s serving prowess, he also produced some killer drop shots and returns to disarm his opponent. Asked how he had withstood the pressure, Isner was engagingly honest. "I served," he said. "That`s really all it came down to. I guess I didn`t give him many opportunities to spin his web and get me tangled up in it. "I had an incredible serving day and I needed every single bit of it to beat him."

John Isner hails former world No. 1 Andy Murray after ending his Wimbledon hopes in second round

Andy Murray has shaken off the abdominal injury which threatened his participation at Wimbledon, the former world number one said on Saturday before declaring that there was still a lot of "good tennis" left in him. Murray, who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016, sustained the injury during his Stuttgart Open final defeat by Italian Matteo Berrettini earlier this month, after impressive wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios.

The problem forced Murray, ranked 51st, to skip the Queen`s Club event with doubts over his participation at Wimbledon but the Scot said things had improved since.

"It`s gone well," Murray, 35, told reporters. "I`ve been able to gradually progress my training this week and got to play a few sets, a lot of points. The last few days have been good."

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Murray secured his first victory over a top-five opponent in six years with a 7-6(4) 6-3 victory over Tsitsipas in Stuttgart, showing fans glimpses of the form that marked his rise to the top of the rankings before multiple hip surgeries.

He reached the 70th final of his career and second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney.

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"I think I showed a couple weeks ago that there was still good tennis left in me," Murray said. "I beat a guy in the top five, I was neck-and-neck with Berrettini, who is one of the best grasscourt players in the world before the injury.

"I played well against Kyrgios, as well. The first set was a good level. And I`ve been doing pretty well in practices. I know the tennis is in there; I just need to bring it out during the event now.

"Having Ivan (Lendl) on my team helps. We`ve had a lot of success in the past. We know each other well. He still believes in me. There`s not loads of coaches, people out there that have done over this last period, and he has. That definitely helps."

Wimbledon begins on Monday, with Murray facing Australia`s James Duckworth in the first round.

Andy Murray has shaken off the abdominal injury which threatened his participation at Wimbledon, the former world number one said on Saturday before declaring that there was still a lot of "good tennis" left in him.

Andy Murray has shaken off the abdominal injury which threatened his participation at Wimbledon, the former world number one said on Saturday before declaring that there was still a lot of "good tennis" left in him. Murray, who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016, sustained the injury during his Stuttgart Open final defeat by Italian Matteo Berrettini earlier this month, after impressive wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios. The problem forced Murray, ranked 51st, to skip the Queen`s Club event with doubts over his participation at Wimbledon but the Scot said things had improved since. "It`s gone well," Murray, 35, told reporters. "I`ve been able to gradually progress my training this week and got to play a few sets, a lot of points. The last few days have been good." Also Read: Serena Williams will be difficult to beat but not a favourite to win Wimbledon 2022 title: Nandan Bal Murray secured his first victory over a top-five opponent in six years with a 7-6(4) 6-3 victory over Tsitsipas in Stuttgart, showing fans glimpses of the form that marked his rise to the top of the rankings before multiple hip surgeries. He reached the 70th final of his career and second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney. Also Read: Wimbledon to provide free tickets to Ukrainian refugees "I think I showed a couple weeks ago that there was still good tennis left in me," Murray said. "I beat a guy in the top five, I was neck-and-neck with Berrettini, who is one of the best grasscourt players in the world before the injury. "I played well against Kyrgios, as well. The first set was a good level. And I`ve been doing pretty well in practices. I know the tennis is in there; I just need to bring it out during the event now. "Having Ivan (Lendl) on my team helps. We`ve had a lot of success in the past. We know each other well. He still believes in me. There`s not loads of coaches, people out there that have done over this last period, and he has. That definitely helps." Wimbledon begins on Monday, with Murray facing Australia`s James Duckworth in the first round.

'Still good tennis left in me': Fit-again Andy Murray full of belief ahead of Wimbledon

Matteo Berrettini capped his return to the ATP Tour by winning his first title of the season in Stuttgart on Sunday. Berrettini overcame former World No. 1 Andy Murray 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 in the summit clash of the ATP 250 tournament. The Italian missed the clay season after undergoing a minor operation on his right hand in late March but has played like he has never been away in Stuttgart, improving to 28-6 on grass.

"It is unbelievable. It was obviously a goal [to win the title], but I thought it would be really, really tough," Berrettini said after the match as per atptour.com. "I don`t even think I played my best tennis, but that is why I am even more proud of myself. Mentally I was really tough. I did an unbelievable job to be there. I fought hard and this means a lot."In a tight final, the second seed demonstrated good footwork to dictate play on his forehand, hitting with brutal power to pin Murray back and triumph after two hours and 35 minutes. With his victory, Berrettini has improved to 2-1 in his ATP Head2Head series against the former World No. 1.

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The 26-year-old now holds a perfect 9-0 record at the ATP 250 event, having won the title in his only previous appearance in Stuttgart in 2019. Berrettini also clinched the crown on grass at The Queen`s Club last year, defeating Cameron Norrie in the final in London.The World No. 10 will aim to retain his title at the Queen`s Club Championships next week and could play record five-time champion Murray in the second round. Murray was playing in his first tour-level singles final on grass since he lifted the trophy at Wimbledon in 2016. The Scot, who upset World No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to his 10th tour-level championship match on grass, is up to No. 47 in the ATP Live Rankings.

Matteo Berrettini capped his return to the ATP Tour by winning his first title of the season in Stuttgart on Sunday. Berrettini overcame former World No. 1 Andy Murray 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 in the summit clash of the ATP 250 tournament.

Matteo Berrettini capped his return to the ATP Tour by winning his first title of the season in Stuttgart on Sunday. Berrettini overcame former World No. 1 Andy Murray 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 in the summit clash of the ATP 250 tournament. The Italian missed the clay season after undergoing a minor operation on his right hand in late March but has played like he has never been away in Stuttgart, improving to 28-6 on grass. "It is unbelievable. It was obviously a goal [to win the title], but I thought it would be really, really tough," Berrettini said after the match as per atptour.com. "I don`t even think I played my best tennis, but that is why I am even more proud of myself. Mentally I was really tough. I did an unbelievable job to be there. I fought hard and this means a lot."In a tight final, the second seed demonstrated good footwork to dictate play on his forehand, hitting with brutal power to pin Murray back and triumph after two hours and 35 minutes. With his victory, Berrettini has improved to 2-1 in his ATP Head2Head series against the former World No. 1. ALSO READ | Roger Federer 'definitely' planning on return to top-level tennis in 2023 The 26-year-old now holds a perfect 9-0 record at the ATP 250 event, having won the title in his only previous appearance in Stuttgart in 2019. Berrettini also clinched the crown on grass at The Queen`s Club last year, defeating Cameron Norrie in the final in London.The World No. 10 will aim to retain his title at the Queen`s Club Championships next week and could play record five-time champion Murray in the second round. Murray was playing in his first tour-level singles final on grass since he lifted the trophy at Wimbledon in 2016. The Scot, who upset World No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to his 10th tour-level championship match on grass, is up to No. 47 in the ATP Live Rankings.

Italy's Matteo Berrettini beats former World No. 1 Andy Murray to claim Stuttgart title

Former world number one Andy Murray looked back to his best on grass as he beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6(5) 6-2 to move into the final of the Stuttgart Open on Saturday after the Australian lost his cool in the second set and said he was racially abused by a fan.

The final is the 70th of Murray`s career and his second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney in January. The 35-year-old will face second seed Matteo Berrettini who is playing his first Tour-level final of the season.

After an entertaining opening set where there was nothing to separate the two players, Murray sealed it in the tiebreak after which Kyrgios broke his racket and earned a point penalty as well as a game penalty in the second set.

The Australian, who was constantly complaining to the umpire, then refused to continue playing, sitting in his chair until the supervisor came out and convinced him to finish the match.

A frustrated Kyrgios later said that he had retaliated after hearing a racial slur. "When is this going to stop? Dealing with racial slurs from the crowd?" he wrote on Instagram.

"I understand that my behaviour isn`t the best all the time - but `you little black sheep`, `shut up and play` - little comments like this are not acceptable.

"When I retaliate to the crowd, I get penalised. This is messed up."

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After an absorbing opening set, where Kyrgios had even got the crowd going with an underarm serve and front `tweeners`, he lost his focus in the second and made numerous errors as Murray quickly wrapped up the match and sealed his spot in the final.

Murray, whose last Tour title came in 2019 in Antwerp, was sympathetic in his on-court interview, admitting that he did not have to work as hard in the second set after a "high quality" opener.

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"You`re always kind of battling yourself as well as the opponent, it`s one of the difficult things about individual sports," Murray, who has not dropped a set in the tournament, said.

"Nick has the potential to be one of the best players in the world, there`s absolutely no question about that. But yeah, he obviously got very frustrated in the second set and made it a lot easier for me.

"But look, I`m happy to be in the final. I`ve played well this week and I`ve got a great opportunity against Matteo tomorrow."

Former world number one Andy Murray looked back to his best on grass as he beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6(5) 6-2 to move into the final of the Stuttgart Open on Saturday after the Australian lost his cool in the second set and said he was racially abused by a fan.

Former world number one Andy Murray looked back to his best on grass as he beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6(5) 6-2 to move into the final of the Stuttgart Open on Saturday after the Australian lost his cool in the second set and said he was racially abused by a fan. The final is the 70th of Murray`s career and his second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney in January. The 35-year-old will face second seed Matteo Berrettini who is playing his first Tour-level final of the season. After an entertaining opening set where there was nothing to separate the two players, Murray sealed it in the tiebreak after which Kyrgios broke his racket and earned a point penalty as well as a game penalty in the second set. The Australian, who was constantly complaining to the umpire, then refused to continue playing, sitting in his chair until the supervisor came out and convinced him to finish the match. A frustrated Kyrgios later said that he had retaliated after hearing a racial slur. "When is this going to stop? Dealing with racial slurs from the crowd?" he wrote on Instagram. "I understand that my behaviour isn`t the best all the time - but `you little black sheep`, `shut up and play` - little comments like this are not acceptable. "When I retaliate to the crowd, I get penalised. This is messed up." Also Read: US judge dismisses rape suit against football star Cristiano Ronaldo After an absorbing opening set, where Kyrgios had even got the crowd going with an underarm serve and front `tweeners`, he lost his focus in the second and made numerous errors as Murray quickly wrapped up the match and sealed his spot in the final. Murray, whose last Tour title came in 2019 in Antwerp, was sympathetic in his on-court interview, admitting that he did not have to work as hard in the second set after a "high quality" opener. Also Read: 'Anesthetic injections are....' - WADA chief on doping accusation on French Open winner Rafael Nadal "You`re always kind of battling yourself as well as the opponent, it`s one of the difficult things about individual sports," Murray, who has not dropped a set in the tournament, said. "Nick has the potential to be one of the best players in the world, there`s absolutely no question about that. But yeah, he obviously got very frustrated in the second set and made it a lot easier for me. "But look, I`m happy to be in the final. I`ve played well this week and I`ve got a great opportunity against Matteo tomorrow."

Andy Murray into Stuttgart Open final after Nick Kyrgios loses cool amid 'racial slurs' from crowd

Britain`s two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas made him "angry", adding that a survivor`s account of the incident was similar to his own experience in the 1996 Dunblane massacre in Scotland.

An 18-year-old gunman armed with a semi-automatic rifle stormed an elementary school in Texas last week, killing 19 children and two teachers.

The attack, coming 10 days after a shooting in Buffalo, New York that left 10 people dead, has intensified the long-standing national debate over U.S. gun laws.

"It`s unbelievably upsetting and it makes you angry. I think there`s been over 200 mass shootings in America this year and nothing changes," Murray said. "I can`t understand that ...

"My feeling is that surely at some stage you do something different. You can`t keep approaching the problem by buying more guns and having more guns in the country. I don`t see how that solves it.

"But I could be wrong. Let`s maybe try something different and see if you get a different outcome."

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Murray grew up in Dunblane and was a student at the town`s local elementary school when a gunman killed 16 pupils and a teacher before killing himself. It is the deadliest mass shooting in Britain`s modern history.

"I heard something on the radio the other day and it was a child from that school," Murray told the BBC. "I experienced a similar thing when I was at Dunblane, a teacher coming out and waving all of the children under tables and telling them to go and hide.

"And it was a kid telling exactly the same story about how she survived it.

"They were saying that they go through these drills, as young children ... How? How is that normal that children should be having to go through drills, in case someone comes into a school with a gun?"

Britain`s two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas made him "angry", adding that a survivor`s account of the incident was similar to his own experience in the 1996 Dunblane massacre in Scotland.

Britain`s two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas made him "angry", adding that a survivor`s account of the incident was similar to his own experience in the 1996 Dunblane massacre in Scotland. An 18-year-old gunman armed with a semi-automatic rifle stormed an elementary school in Texas last week, killing 19 children and two teachers. The attack, coming 10 days after a shooting in Buffalo, New York that left 10 people dead, has intensified the long-standing national debate over U.S. gun laws. "It`s unbelievably upsetting and it makes you angry. I think there`s been over 200 mass shootings in America this year and nothing changes," Murray said. "I can`t understand that ... "My feeling is that surely at some stage you do something different. You can`t keep approaching the problem by buying more guns and having more guns in the country. I don`t see how that solves it. "But I could be wrong. Let`s maybe try something different and see if you get a different outcome." Also Read: 'Wish I can be a man': China's Zheng Qinwen dejected after menstrual cramps derail her French Open campaign Murray grew up in Dunblane and was a student at the town`s local elementary school when a gunman killed 16 pupils and a teacher before killing himself. It is the deadliest mass shooting in Britain`s modern history. "I heard something on the radio the other day and it was a child from that school," Murray told the BBC. "I experienced a similar thing when I was at Dunblane, a teacher coming out and waving all of the children under tables and telling them to go and hide. "And it was a kid telling exactly the same story about how she survived it. "They were saying that they go through these drills, as young children ... How? How is that normal that children should be having to go through drills, in case someone comes into a school with a gun?"

'Angry' Andy Murray likens Texas school shooting survivor's experience to his own

Andy Murray has withdrawn from his last-16 match against world number one Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open on Thursday due to illness, tournament organisers said. Three-times major winner Murray was set to face Djokovic for the 37th time in a highly anticipated clash on clay at the ATP Masters 1000 event in the Spanish capital.

"Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness," organisers wrote on Twitter. "Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day`s play on centre court."

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Former world number one Murray, who had earlier said he would skip the claycourt season in order to protect his fitness, accepted a late wildcard in Madrid and beat Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov in his opening two matches.

Andy Murray has withdrawn from his last-16 match against world number one Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open on Thursday due to illness, tournament organisers said.

Andy Murray has withdrawn from his last-16 match against world number one Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open on Thursday due to illness, tournament organisers said. Three-times major winner Murray was set to face Djokovic for the 37th time in a highly anticipated clash on clay at the ATP Masters 1000 event in the Spanish capital. "Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness," organisers wrote on Twitter. "Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day`s play on centre court." ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal overpowers Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in Madrid on return from injury Former world number one Murray, who had earlier said he would skip the claycourt season in order to protect his fitness, accepted a late wildcard in Madrid and beat Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov in his opening two matches.

Andy Murray pulls out from Novak Djokovic face-off in Madrid due to illness

Great Britain`s Andy Murray, who returned to clay for the first time in nearly two years, defeated Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3, 6-4 to secure a Round-of-32 clash against Denis Shapovalov at the Madrid Open here. 
&nbsp;Murray was ranked world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings when he last took the court at the Madrid Open in 2017 and his performance against the Austrian on Monday night belied his current world ranking of No. 78. 
 
It was the two-time Madrid champion`s first victory on the surface since the 2017 French Open quarterfinals when he beat Kei Nishikori of Japan. "I enjoyed it. I prepared really hard before coming here," said Murray to atptour.com. The three-time Grand Slam champion was initially planning to skip this year`s clay swing before accepting a wild card into the Spanish ATP Masters 1000 event. 
 
"I worked hard and really wanted to go out and put a good performance out there. I feel like I did that. When I played a couple of years ago on the clay, I was struggling a little bit with my groin. My body felt really good in the last few weeks and tonight I felt like I moved well and I played a really good match," added Murray. 
 
Murray, who has undergone a hip surgery, last played a clay-court game at Roland Garros in 2020. He had initially planned to continue his break from clay and compete in hard-court ATP Challenger Tour events during the European clay swing. But when the events got cancelled, he changed his plan.

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Murray showed few signs of rust as he dished out a dominant display. Thiem, still seeking the first win of his comeback from a right-wrist injury, was only brilliant in patches. 
 
"It`s extremely difficult," Murray said of Thiem`s comeback in the second set. "He obviously had the injury initially and has also had some setbacks along the way. Mentally, it will take time to feel confident, totally accelerating on the ball. I had a wrist injury when I was 20 years old and it was very difficult. It took me time before I started to feel comfortable on the forehand side again. 
 
"He uses his wrist a lot when he plays. He plays with heavy topspin. It`s obviously going to take him time, but he can still hit the ball great. He`s serving well, moving well. It`s just going to take time," added Murray. 
 
Murray next faces 14th seed Denis Shapovalov of Canada, who got past lucky loser Ugo Humbert of France, 7-6(1), 6-3. The 23-year-old Shapovalov won his only previous meeting with Murray in straight sets one year ago in the Wimbledon third round.

Great Britain`s Andy Murray, who returned to clay for the first time in nearly two years, defeated Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3, 6-4 to secure a Round-of-32 clash against Denis Shapovalov at the Madrid Open here.

Great Britain`s Andy Murray, who returned to clay for the first time in nearly two years, defeated Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3, 6-4 to secure a Round-of-32 clash against Denis Shapovalov at the Madrid Open here. Murray was ranked world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings when he last took the court at the Madrid Open in 2017 and his performance against the Austrian on Monday night belied his current world ranking of No. 78. It was the two-time Madrid champion`s first victory on the surface since the 2017 French Open quarterfinals when he beat Kei Nishikori of Japan. "I enjoyed it. I prepared really hard before coming here," said Murray to atptour.com. The three-time Grand Slam champion was initially planning to skip this year`s clay swing before accepting a wild card into the Spanish ATP Masters 1000 event. "I worked hard and really wanted to go out and put a good performance out there. I feel like I did that. When I played a couple of years ago on the clay, I was struggling a little bit with my groin. My body felt really good in the last few weeks and tonight I felt like I moved well and I played a really good match," added Murray. Murray, who has undergone a hip surgery, last played a clay-court game at Roland Garros in 2020. He had initially planned to continue his break from clay and compete in hard-court ATP Challenger Tour events during the European clay swing. But when the events got cancelled, he changed his plan. ALSO READ | World No. 1 Novak Djokovic hopeful of things progressing in 'right direction' at Madrid Open 2022 Murray showed few signs of rust as he dished out a dominant display. Thiem, still seeking the first win of his comeback from a right-wrist injury, was only brilliant in patches. "It`s extremely difficult," Murray said of Thiem`s comeback in the second set. "He obviously had the injury initially and has also had some setbacks along the way. Mentally, it will take time to feel confident, totally accelerating on the ball. I had a wrist injury when I was 20 years old and it was very difficult. It took me time before I started to feel comfortable on the forehand side again. "He uses his wrist a lot when he plays. He plays with heavy topspin. It`s obviously going to take him time, but he can still hit the ball great. He`s serving well, moving well. It`s just going to take time," added Murray. Murray next faces 14th seed Denis Shapovalov of Canada, who got past lucky loser Ugo Humbert of France, 7-6(1), 6-3. The 23-year-old Shapovalov won his only previous meeting with Murray in straight sets one year ago in the Wimbledon third round.

Madrid Open: Andy Murray triumphs over Dominic Thiem to attain first clay-court challenge in two years

Former World number one Andy Murray on Tuesday defeated Denis Shapovalov to reach the third round at the Madrid Open 2022. With a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over the Canadian in Madrid, Murray now for the first time has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final.After good wins at the Caja Magica against former Top 10 players in Dominic Thiem and Shapovalov, it will not get any easier for Murray. Next up is a blockbuster showdown with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic -- their first meeting since the Doha final in 2017 -- for a place in the quarter-finals.

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Earlier, the world`s number one Novak Djokovic thrashed Gael Monfils. In what has proved a comfortable matchup for the Serb over the years, he snuffed out any chance of that with a 6-3, 6-2 victory to improve to 18-0 against the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz spent much of his opening match behind in the set score but still claimed a relatively routine victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili, 6-3, 7-5.

The 18-year-old, who turns 19 on Thursday, will next face the winner of ninth seed Cameron Norrie`s Wednesday matchup against John Isner.

Former World number one Andy Murray on Tuesday defeated Denis Shapovalov to reach the third round at the Madrid Open 2022. With a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over the Canadian in Madrid, Murray now for the first time has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final.

Former World number one Andy Murray on Tuesday defeated Denis Shapovalov to reach the third round at the Madrid Open 2022. With a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over the Canadian in Madrid, Murray now for the first time has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final.After good wins at the Caja Magica against former Top 10 players in Dominic Thiem and Shapovalov, it will not get any easier for Murray. Next up is a blockbuster showdown with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic -- their first meeting since the Doha final in 2017 -- for a place in the quarter-finals. ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Andy Murray triumphs over Dominic Thiem to attain first clay-court challenge in two years Earlier, the world`s number one Novak Djokovic thrashed Gael Monfils. In what has proved a comfortable matchup for the Serb over the years, he snuffed out any chance of that with a 6-3, 6-2 victory to improve to 18-0 against the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz spent much of his opening match behind in the set score but still claimed a relatively routine victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili, 6-3, 7-5. The 18-year-old, who turns 19 on Thursday, will next face the winner of ninth seed Cameron Norrie`s Wednesday matchup against John Isner.

Madrid Open: Andy Murray goes past Denis Shapovalov to set blockbuster clash vs Novak Djokovic

Hubert Hurkacz unleashed 17 aces to topple France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(5) 6-2 and keep his title defence going at the Miami Open on Saturday as world number two Daniil Medvedev sent twice winner Andy Murray packing and Naomi Osaka advanced on a walkover.

Rinderknech was unable to convert his sole break point in the first set and lost the momentum altogether after the tiebreak, as the 10th-ranked Pole won the first four games of the second set of their second-round clash.

Reigning U.S. Open champion Medvedev never faced a break and proved too nimble for three-times Grand Slam winner Murray, dropping just two of his first-serve points in the second set as he won 6-4 6-2.

"Playing against Andy is never easy," said Russian Medvedev, who is on a quest to regain his number-one ranking. "Managed to serve well, and I think that was one of the keys today."

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Japan's Osaka advanced to the fourth round on a walkover after Czech Karolina Muchova withdrew following an injury she sustained during warm-ups.

The four-times Grand Slam champion will next face Alison Riske, who defeated Ann Li 6-2 3-6 6-3 in an all-American clash.

Muchova's was the latest injury to mar the women's field in Miami after Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep pulled out on Thursday.

TSITSIPAS PULLS AWAY LATE, ALCARAZ GETS FIRST MIAMI WIN

World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas held off strong resistance from American qualifier J.J. Wolf and won 6-4 6-7(5) 6-1.

The Greek, who hit 37 winners, will next face Alex de Minaur who defeated fellow Australian Jordan Thompson 6-2 6-3.

"He's a fighter," Tsitsipas said of de Minaur. "I really hope to bring out the same kind of level that I brought in the third set and maintain that throughout the match."

Spain's 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz secured his maiden win at the Miami event with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.

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Fresh from collecting the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells, American Taylor Fritz survived a surprise test from Kazakhstani qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin to win 6-3 5-7 6-3.

Kukushkin put up a strong defence, with eight of 11 break points saved, but struggled against his opponent`s powerful serve, with the 13th-ranked Fritz launching 10 aces.

Fritz drew a picture of the sun and the caption "x 2?" on the on-court camera after the match - a hint that he perhaps was chasing tennis's elusive "sunshine double" of Indian Wells and Miami - but said afterwards that the gesture was intended as a joke.

"I'm not coming here expecting to win the tournament or anything. I'm going into it with the same mentality as Indian Wells," he said in a televised interview. "Take it one match at a time."

Fritz's Indian Wells quarter-final opponent, Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, dispatched seventh-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 and Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut moved past Pole Kamil Majchrzak 6-3 6-3.

SHAPOVALOV, KHACHANOV KNOCKED OUT

Canadian Denis Shapovalov lost 6-3 6-4 to Lloyd Harris of South Africa, American Jenson Brooksby defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 6-1 and Marin Cilic beat Alexei Popyrin 6-0 6-3.

Karen Khachanov lost 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) to Tommy Paul, Daniel Evans suffered a 3-6 6-4 6-3 defeat by qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka and Cristian Garin was knocked out 7-6(2) 6-2 by Pedro Martinez.

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Aslan Karatsev won 7-5 6-2 against Ugo Humbert and Sebastian Korda beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 4-6 7-6(3) 6-3.

In the women's field, Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins of the United States beat Vera Zvonareva 6-1 6-4, while Olympic champion Belinda Bencic eased past Britain's Heather Watson 6-4 6-1.

Swiss Bencic, who suffered early exits from Indian Wells earlier this month and Doha in February, launched five aces across the net as Watson struggled on the return and was only able to convert one of eight break points.

In the late contest, Tunisian world number 10 Ons Jabeur defeated Estonia's Kaia Kanepi 6-3 6-0.

Hubert Hurkacz unleashed 17 aces to topple France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(5) 6-2 and keep his title defence going at the Miami Open on Saturday as world number two Daniil Medvedev sent twice winner Andy Murray packing and Naomi Osaka advanced on a walkover.

Hubert Hurkacz unleashed 17 aces to topple France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(5) 6-2 and keep his title defence going at the Miami Open on Saturday as world number two Daniil Medvedev sent twice winner Andy Murray packing and Naomi Osaka advanced on a walkover. Rinderknech was unable to convert his sole break point in the first set and lost the momentum altogether after the tiebreak, as the 10th-ranked Pole won the first four games of the second set of their second-round clash. Reigning U.S. Open champion Medvedev never faced a break and proved too nimble for three-times Grand Slam winner Murray, dropping just two of his first-serve points in the second set as he won 6-4 6-2. "Playing against Andy is never easy," said Russian Medvedev, who is on a quest to regain his number-one ranking. "Managed to serve well, and I think that was one of the keys today." ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open Japan's Osaka advanced to the fourth round on a walkover after Czech Karolina Muchova withdrew following an injury she sustained during warm-ups. The four-times Grand Slam champion will next face Alison Riske, who defeated Ann Li 6-2 3-6 6-3 in an all-American clash. Muchova's was the latest injury to mar the women's field in Miami after Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep pulled out on Thursday. TSITSIPAS PULLS AWAY LATE, ALCARAZ GETS FIRST MIAMI WIN World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas held off strong resistance from American qualifier J.J. Wolf and won 6-4 6-7(5) 6-1. The Greek, who hit 37 winners, will next face Alex de Minaur who defeated fellow Australian Jordan Thompson 6-2 6-3. "He's a fighter," Tsitsipas said of de Minaur. "I really hope to bring out the same kind of level that I brought in the third set and maintain that throughout the match." Spain's 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz secured his maiden win at the Miami event with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Former World No. 1 Simona Halep pulls out with leg injury, set to miss three weeks Fresh from collecting the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells, American Taylor Fritz survived a surprise test from Kazakhstani qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin to win 6-3 5-7 6-3. Kukushkin put up a strong defence, with eight of 11 break points saved, but struggled against his opponent`s powerful serve, with the 13th-ranked Fritz launching 10 aces. Fritz drew a picture of the sun and the caption "x 2?" on the on-court camera after the match - a hint that he perhaps was chasing tennis's elusive "sunshine double" of Indian Wells and Miami - but said afterwards that the gesture was intended as a joke. "I'm not coming here expecting to win the tournament or anything. I'm going into it with the same mentality as Indian Wells," he said in a televised interview. "Take it one match at a time." Fritz's Indian Wells quarter-final opponent, Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, dispatched seventh-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 and Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut moved past Pole Kamil Majchrzak 6-3 6-3. SHAPOVALOV, KHACHANOV KNOCKED OUT Canadian Denis Shapovalov lost 6-3 6-4 to Lloyd Harris of South Africa, American Jenson Brooksby defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 6-1 and Marin Cilic beat Alexei Popyrin 6-0 6-3. Karen Khachanov lost 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) to Tommy Paul, Daniel Evans suffered a 3-6 6-4 6-3 defeat by qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka and Cristian Garin was knocked out 7-6(2) 6-2 by Pedro Martinez. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident Aslan Karatsev won 7-5 6-2 against Ugo Humbert and Sebastian Korda beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 4-6 7-6(3) 6-3. In the women's field, Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins of the United States beat Vera Zvonareva 6-1 6-4, while Olympic champion Belinda Bencic eased past Britain's Heather Watson 6-4 6-1. Swiss Bencic, who suffered early exits from Indian Wells earlier this month and Doha in February, launched five aces across the net as Watson struggled on the return and was only able to convert one of eight break points. In the late contest, Tunisian world number 10 Ons Jabeur defeated Estonia's Kaia Kanepi 6-3 6-0.

Miami Open: Hubert Hurkacz on course for title defence, Medvedev topples Murray, Naomi Osaka gets walkover

Tommy Paul collected the biggest win of his career with a stunning 6-2 4-6 7-6(2) victory over third seed Alexander Zverev under the lights at Indian Wells on Sunday.

After a strong start, the 24-year-old American's good fortune appeared to dry up in the California desert when the hard-hitting German was up a break and serving at 4-2 in the decider.

But Zverev committed four double faults in the game to let Paul back into the match and he did not waste the opportunity, keeping his nerve to force a tiebreak where he played nearly flawless tennis to secure the upset before an adoring crowd.

"I started well, I came to the net a ton and put a lot of pressure on his serve," Paul said in an on-court interview.

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"He started serving really well there in the second set and even into the third, but I got kind of lucky there when I got down a break. We'll always take those," he said with a laugh.

Next up for Paul is a third-round clash with Alex de Minaur, who defeated fellow Australian John Millman 7-6(4) 6-3.

BUBLIK BOUNCES MURRAY

Earlier in the day, big-serving Alexander Bublik got revenge against Andy Murray, beating the former world number one 7-6(9) 6-3 to notch his first win over the Scot in three career meetings.

Bublik won the first set tiebreak to seize the momentum and pounded his way to the finish line as Murray was unable to convert any of his six break-point opportunities.

The Kazakhstani sealed the win with a deft drop shot on match point that Murray was unable to reach.

Bublik stood and joined the crowd in applauding the three-time major champion, who claimed his 700th career win on Friday, as he walked off the court.

Murray, who defeated Bublik in straight sets in Rotterdam in February, was left to wonder what might have been.

"Obviously in the tiebreak both of us had some chances, but in the first set I certainly created more opportunities and I didn't take them," Murray told reporters.

Sixth seed Matteo Berrettini managed to serve his way out of trouble to survive a tough test from 18-year-old qualifier Holger Rune and hang on for a 6-3 4-6 6-4 win.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hecklers-are-an-unfortunate-part-of-sports-andy-murray-after-naomi-osaka-reduced-to-tears-at-indian-wells-462118">Hecklers are an unfortunate part of sports: Andy Murray after Naomi Osaka reduced to tears at Indian Wells</a>

The Italian Australian Open semifinalist was forced to retire with injury during the second set of his last match against Paul in Acapulco last month and admitted to having some rust.

"It's always tricky when you step into the court again so I'm happy to get the win," Berrettini said.

In other second-round action, Americans Taylor Fritz, Steve Johnson, Frances Tiafoe and John Isner all won in straight sets, while fan-favourite Diego Schwartzman of Argentina and Hubert Hurkacz of Poland needed three sets to advance to the third round of the Masters 1000 tournament.

Tommy Paul collected the biggest win of his career with a stunning 6-2 4-6 7-6(2) victory over third seed Alexander Zverev under the lights at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Tommy Paul collected the biggest win of his career with a stunning 6-2 4-6 7-6(2) victory over third seed Alexander Zverev under the lights at Indian Wells on Sunday. After a strong start, the 24-year-old American's good fortune appeared to dry up in the California desert when the hard-hitting German was up a break and serving at 4-2 in the decider. But Zverev committed four double faults in the game to let Paul back into the match and he did not waste the opportunity, keeping his nerve to force a tiebreak where he played nearly flawless tennis to secure the upset before an adoring crowd. "I started well, I came to the net a ton and put a lot of pressure on his serve," Paul said in an on-court interview. ALSO READ: German Open: Lakshya Sen loses in summit clash against Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn "He started serving really well there in the second set and even into the third, but I got kind of lucky there when I got down a break. We'll always take those," he said with a laugh. Next up for Paul is a third-round clash with Alex de Minaur, who defeated fellow Australian John Millman 7-6(4) 6-3. BUBLIK BOUNCES MURRAY Earlier in the day, big-serving Alexander Bublik got revenge against Andy Murray, beating the former world number one 7-6(9) 6-3 to notch his first win over the Scot in three career meetings. Bublik won the first set tiebreak to seize the momentum and pounded his way to the finish line as Murray was unable to convert any of his six break-point opportunities. The Kazakhstani sealed the win with a deft drop shot on match point that Murray was unable to reach. Bublik stood and joined the crowd in applauding the three-time major champion, who claimed his 700th career win on Friday, as he walked off the court. Murray, who defeated Bublik in straight sets in Rotterdam in February, was left to wonder what might have been. "Obviously in the tiebreak both of us had some chances, but in the first set I certainly created more opportunities and I didn't take them," Murray told reporters. Sixth seed Matteo Berrettini managed to serve his way out of trouble to survive a tough test from 18-year-old qualifier Holger Rune and hang on for a 6-3 4-6 6-4 win. ALSO READ: Hecklers are an unfortunate part of sports: Andy Murray after Naomi Osaka reduced to tears at Indian Wells The Italian Australian Open semifinalist was forced to retire with injury during the second set of his last match against Paul in Acapulco last month and admitted to having some rust. "It's always tricky when you step into the court again so I'm happy to get the win," Berrettini said. In other second-round action, Americans Taylor Fritz, Steve Johnson, Frances Tiafoe and John Isner all won in straight sets, while fan-favourite Diego Schwartzman of Argentina and Hubert Hurkacz of Poland needed three sets to advance to the third round of the Masters 1000 tournament.

Indian Wells: Tommy Paul stuns World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, Bublik overpowers Andy Murray

Andy Murray expressed sympathy for Naomi Osaka after she was rattled by a heckler during her second-round loss on Saturday night at Indian Wells but said unruly fans were an unfortunate part of sports.

Osaka was thrown off her game and began to cry after a person screamed, "Naomi, you suck!" early on in her eventual 6-0 6-4 loss to Veronika Kudermetova.

After the match, Osaka spoke directly to the otherwise supportive crowd, saying the incident reminded her of the abuse Venus and Serena Williams received at the tournament in 2001, which led them to boycott the event for more than a decade.

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"It's a difficult one," Murray told reporters after his second-round loss on Sunday.

"I've often thought watching certain sports, I wouldn't say I've often seen it loads in tennis ... but if I watch a football or a soccer match and a player's going to take throw-in or a corner kick and the crowd are just hurling insults at those individuals."

"I always think, how is that allowed? Like, you can't do that," he said, adding that such behaviour would be unacceptable in public or any other workplace setting.

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Murray said he had heard comments that were "not comfortable" when playing Davis Cup matches away from home in intense environments.

"Obviously I feel for Naomi, that it upset her a lot but yeah, it's always been something that`s been part of sport, I guess, as well," Murray said.

"So, you know, you have to, I guess, be prepared for that in some ways and be able to tolerate it because it does happen regularly across all sports."

Andy Murray expressed sympathy for Naomi Osaka after she was rattled by a heckler during her second-round loss on Saturday night at Indian Wells but said unruly fans were an unfortunate part of sports.

Andy Murray expressed sympathy for Naomi Osaka after she was rattled by a heckler during her second-round loss on Saturday night at Indian Wells but said unruly fans were an unfortunate part of sports. Osaka was thrown off her game and began to cry after a person screamed, "Naomi, you suck!" early on in her eventual 6-0 6-4 loss to Veronika Kudermetova. After the match, Osaka spoke directly to the otherwise supportive crowd, saying the incident reminded her of the abuse Venus and Serena Williams received at the tournament in 2001, which led them to boycott the event for more than a decade. ALSO READ: Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 9 runs to register their maiden win in ICC Women's World Cup history "It's a difficult one," Murray told reporters after his second-round loss on Sunday. "I've often thought watching certain sports, I wouldn't say I've often seen it loads in tennis ... but if I watch a football or a soccer match and a player's going to take throw-in or a corner kick and the crowd are just hurling insults at those individuals." "I always think, how is that allowed? Like, you can't do that," he said, adding that such behaviour would be unacceptable in public or any other workplace setting. ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer becomes first Indian to achieve rare feat with twin half-centuries in pink-ball Test vs Sri Lanka Murray said he had heard comments that were "not comfortable" when playing Davis Cup matches away from home in intense environments. "Obviously I feel for Naomi, that it upset her a lot but yeah, it's always been something that`s been part of sport, I guess, as well," Murray said. "So, you know, you have to, I guess, be prepared for that in some ways and be able to tolerate it because it does happen regularly across all sports."

Hecklers are an unfortunate part of sports: Andy Murray after Naomi Osaka reduced to tears at Indian Wells

Andy Murray overcame a slow start and a third set service break to beat Taro Daniel 1-6 6-2 6-4 in the first round of Indian Wells on Friday and notch his 700th career win.

With the victory, the Briton became the 18th player of the Open era to achieve the feat on the ATP Tour.

"This was a target that I set for myself on the back end of last year," Murray said in an on-court interview.

"It's a lot of wins obviously, and I'm very happy to get it here.

"Let's go for 800 now."

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It appeared Murray would have to wait to reach the milestone after Daniel came out sharp, attacking Murray's serve and cruising through the first set on a sunny day in the Southern California desert.

Murray, who is three years removed from major hip surgery, did not move well early on but sprang to life in the second, breaking Daniel at love when the Japanese player sent a forehand wide on set point to level the match at a set apiece.

Daniel won eight straight points to open the third and take a 2-0 lead with help from some sloppy play by the three-time Grand Slam champion.

But Murray would not give in, pumping his fist when he broke back with a forehand winner for 3-3 to the delight of sun-soaked crowd at Stadium One.

Nerves appeared to get to Daniel in the final game as he committed three straight unforced errors to give Murray three match points, and the 34-year-old converted his third opportunity to seal the win.

"I got off to a bit of a slow start," Murray said.

"I'm old now so with these 11 a.m. starts, it takes me a bit of time to get going.

"But Taro played extremely well. I lost to him in Australia so I was expecting a tough match," Murray said of Daniel, who beat the Briton in straight sets in Melbourne in January.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-reminds-me-of-imran-khan-aaqib-javed-names-pakistan-star-who-can-replace-babar-azam-as-captain-461589">‘He reminds me of Imran Khan’ – Aaqib Javed names Pakistan star who can replace Babar Azam as captain</a>

Tournament wild card Murray will look to notch his 701st win when he faces Alexander Bublik in the second round of the Masters 1000 tournament on Saturday.

In other first round action, Australian Jordan Thompson beat David Goffin in a tight three-setter, Australian John Millman battled past Jan-Lennard Struff and American Sam Querrey bested Tallon Griekspoor.

Andy Murray overcame a slow start and a third set service break to beat Taro Daniel 1-6 6-2 6-4 in the first round of Indian Wells on Friday and notch his 700th career win.

Andy Murray overcame a slow start and a third set service break to beat Taro Daniel 1-6 6-2 6-4 in the first round of Indian Wells on Friday and notch his 700th career win. With the victory, the Briton became the 18th player of the Open era to achieve the feat on the ATP Tour. "This was a target that I set for myself on the back end of last year," Murray said in an on-court interview. "It's a lot of wins obviously, and I'm very happy to get it here. "Let's go for 800 now." ALSO READ: European winter sports festival: Russian Olympic Committee appeals to overturn ban on its athletes It appeared Murray would have to wait to reach the milestone after Daniel came out sharp, attacking Murray's serve and cruising through the first set on a sunny day in the Southern California desert. Murray, who is three years removed from major hip surgery, did not move well early on but sprang to life in the second, breaking Daniel at love when the Japanese player sent a forehand wide on set point to level the match at a set apiece. Daniel won eight straight points to open the third and take a 2-0 lead with help from some sloppy play by the three-time Grand Slam champion. But Murray would not give in, pumping his fist when he broke back with a forehand winner for 3-3 to the delight of sun-soaked crowd at Stadium One. Nerves appeared to get to Daniel in the final game as he committed three straight unforced errors to give Murray three match points, and the 34-year-old converted his third opportunity to seal the win. "I got off to a bit of a slow start," Murray said. "I'm old now so with these 11 a.m. starts, it takes me a bit of time to get going. "But Taro played extremely well. I lost to him in Australia so I was expecting a tough match," Murray said of Daniel, who beat the Briton in straight sets in Melbourne in January. ALSO READ: ‘He reminds me of Imran Khan’ – Aaqib Javed names Pakistan star who can replace Babar Azam as captain Tournament wild card Murray will look to notch his 701st win when he faces Alexander Bublik in the second round of the Masters 1000 tournament on Saturday. In other first round action, Australian Jordan Thompson beat David Goffin in a tight three-setter, Australian John Millman battled past Jan-Lennard Struff and American Sam Querrey bested Tallon Griekspoor.

Indian Wells: Andy Murray beat Japan's Taro Daniel to bag his 700th career win

Former World number one tennis player Andy Murray on Wednesday said that he has decided to donate his earnings from prize money for the rest of the year 2022 to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits for children in Ukraine.

The whole child population of Ukraine, 7.5 million children, is now at risk as the conflict against Russia continues to escalate.

With explosions in major cities across the country and thousands of families being forced to flee their homes, UNICEF has called for an immediate ceasefire.

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"Over 7.5m children are at risk with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I'm working with UNICEF UK to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits," Andy Murray wrote on Twitter.

"It's vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture."

"I'm going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF's humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link - https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine Children in Ukraine need peace - now," Murray added.

Andy Murray has also been awarded a wild card for the Miami event.

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The Brit, who was confirmed as a wild card in Indian Wells earlier this week, is a familiar face in Miami having trained frequently in the city throughout his career.

He is a two-time champion at the tournament, having triumphed in 2009 (d. Djokovic) and 2013 (d. Ferrer).

Murray reached the final of the Sydney Tennis Classic in January but has exited his past four tournaments in the second round and will seek to go deep in both tournaments as he hunts a return to the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings.

Former World number one tennis player Andy Murray on Wednesday said that he has decided to donate his earnings from prize money for the rest of the year 2022 to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits for children in Ukraine.

Former World number one tennis player Andy Murray on Wednesday said that he has decided to donate his earnings from prize money for the rest of the year 2022 to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits for children in Ukraine. The whole child population of Ukraine, 7.5 million children, is now at risk as the conflict against Russia continues to escalate. With explosions in major cities across the country and thousands of families being forced to flee their homes, UNICEF has called for an immediate ceasefire. ALSO READ: Is it happening? Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United and join Lionel Messi at PSG - Reports "Over 7.5m children are at risk with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I'm working with UNICEF UK to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits," Andy Murray wrote on Twitter. "It's vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture." "I'm going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF's humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link - https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine Children in Ukraine need peace - now," Murray added. Andy Murray has also been awarded a wild card for the Miami event. ALSO READ: Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30 The Brit, who was confirmed as a wild card in Indian Wells earlier this week, is a familiar face in Miami having trained frequently in the city throughout his career. He is a two-time champion at the tournament, having triumphed in 2009 (d. Djokovic) and 2013 (d. Ferrer). Murray reached the final of the Sydney Tennis Classic in January but has exited his past four tournaments in the second round and will seek to go deep in both tournaments as he hunts a return to the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings.

Andy Murray pledges to donate earnings from prize money of 2022 to help children in war-torn Ukraine

British tennis star Andy Murray has refused to support world no.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic's anti-vaccine stance but believes the world's best player should be taking part in all major events. Djokovic was barred from playing in the Australian Open 2022 earlier this year after refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic was held in detention before getting involved in an agonising legal battle only to get deported from Australia. He failed to defend his Australian Open crown as Rafael Nadal pipped him and the legendary Roger Federer to become the first player to reach a record 21 Grand Slams in his career.

After his controversial deportation from Australia, Djokovic has returned to the action for the first time in the ongoing &nbsp;Dubai Championships. Murray, who is also playing in the tournament, told reporters he doesn't agree with Djokovic's decision to not get vaccinated but sympathises with the Serbian tennis ace over what happened with him in Australia.

“I’ve not seen him here (in Dubai). We exchanged a few messages while he was in Australia. I don’t agree with his decision. It would be a lot easier for him if he were to get vaccinated," Murray told reporters in Dubai.

“But I also didn’t like seeing him in the situation that he was in Australia as someone that I respect, have known since I was a child," he added.

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Murray insisted that Djokovic's decision was bound to have consequences for him and the world no.1 will have to deal with them. However, he believes the Serbian, who is one of the greats of the game, should be allowed to take part in all major events as it is not great for tennis if Djokovic is not competing in big tournaments.

“There are consequences to the decisions he’s made just now. He obviously has to accept that. But I don’t think it’s great for tennis if our best player is not competing in the major events," said Murray.

“It would be better for tennis if he were playing all of the major events," he added.

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In his first game since his return to the court after the infamous Australian Open saga, Djokovic defeated Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets at the Dubai Championships on Monday. Djokovic showed no signs of rustiness and earned a comfortable 6-3 6-3 win against the Italian.

&nbsp;

British tennis star Andy Murray has refused to support world no.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic's anti-vaccine stance but believes the world's best player should be taking part in all major events.

British tennis star Andy Murray has refused to support world no.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic's anti-vaccine stance but believes the world's best player should be taking part in all major events. Djokovic was barred from playing in the Australian Open 2022 earlier this year after refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Djokovic was held in detention before getting involved in an agonising legal battle only to get deported from Australia. He failed to defend his Australian Open crown as Rafael Nadal pipped him and the legendary Roger Federer to become the first player to reach a record 21 Grand Slams in his career. After his controversial deportation from Australia, Djokovic has returned to the action for the first time in the ongoing Dubai Championships. Murray, who is also playing in the tournament, told reporters he doesn't agree with Djokovic's decision to not get vaccinated but sympathises with the Serbian tennis ace over what happened with him in Australia. “I’ve not seen him here (in Dubai). We exchanged a few messages while he was in Australia. I don’t agree with his decision. It would be a lot easier for him if he were to get vaccinated," Murray told reporters in Dubai. “But I also didn’t like seeing him in the situation that he was in Australia as someone that I respect, have known since I was a child," he added. Also Read: Novak Djokovic deported: How entire Australian Open visa saga unfolded Murray insisted that Djokovic's decision was bound to have consequences for him and the world no.1 will have to deal with them. However, he believes the Serbian, who is one of the greats of the game, should be allowed to take part in all major events as it is not great for tennis if Djokovic is not competing in big tournaments. “There are consequences to the decisions he’s made just now. He obviously has to accept that. But I don’t think it’s great for tennis if our best player is not competing in the major events," said Murray. “It would be better for tennis if he were playing all of the major events," he added. Also Read: Novak Djokovic returns to action, beats Lorenzo Musetti in opening game at Dubai Championships In his first game since his return to the court after the infamous Australian Open saga, Djokovic defeated Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets at the Dubai Championships on Monday. Djokovic showed no signs of rustiness and earned a comfortable 6-3 6-3 win against the Italian.

Andy Murray against Novak Djokovic's anti-vaccine stance but wants to see him competing in major events

Andy Murray`s long-awaited return to the Australian Open was brought to a disappointing end in the second round on Thursday when the three-times Grand Slam champion was ushered out of the tournament 6-4 6-4 6-4 by world number 120 Taro Daniel.

Perhaps still feeling the effects of his gruelling five-set battle in the opening round on Tuesday, the 34-year-old Scot looked out of sorts as his inspired Japanese opponent bounced along the baseline firing winner after winner.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/tennis-star-novak-djokovic-has-majority-stake-in-biotech-firm-developing-covid-19-drug-ceo-446082">Tennis star Novak Djokovic has majority stake in biotech firm developing COVID-19 drug: CEO</a>

Former world number one Murray showed no more than flashes of the brilliant tennis that got him to five Australian Open finals as he made 34 unforced errors over the first two sets on John Cain Arena.

To the delight of the crowd, Murray edged ahead at 2-0 in the third set but Daniel broke back immediately and 45 minutes later had booked his first Grand Slam third-round tie against Steve Johnson or Jannik Sinner.

Andy Murray`s long-awaited return to the Australian Open was brought to a disappointing end in the second round on Thursday when the three-times Grand Slam champion was ushered out of the tournament 6-4 6-4 6-4 by world number 120 Taro Daniel.

Andy Murray`s long-awaited return to the Australian Open was brought to a disappointing end in the second round on Thursday when the three-times Grand Slam champion was ushered out of the tournament 6-4 6-4 6-4 by world number 120 Taro Daniel. Perhaps still feeling the effects of his gruelling five-set battle in the opening round on Tuesday, the 34-year-old Scot looked out of sorts as his inspired Japanese opponent bounced along the baseline firing winner after winner. Read Also | Tennis star Novak Djokovic has majority stake in biotech firm developing COVID-19 drug: CEO Former world number one Murray showed no more than flashes of the brilliant tennis that got him to five Australian Open finals as he made 34 unforced errors over the first two sets on John Cain Arena. To the delight of the crowd, Murray edged ahead at 2-0 in the third set but Daniel broke back immediately and 45 minutes later had booked his first Grand Slam third-round tie against Steve Johnson or Jannik Sinner.

Australian Open: Taro Daniel mauls Andy Murray in second round

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Andy Murray dipped into the depth of his defensive skills to tame big-hitting Nikoloz Basilashvili during a thrilling 6-1 3-6 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4 win on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in five years. 
 
The former world number one, a five-time finalist at Melbourne Park, has seen his ranking plummet since hip surgery in 2019 and long injury layoffs that followed and needed a wildcard into the main draw of this year`s tournament. 
 
The 113th-ranked Murray, who won the last of his three major titles at Wimbledon in 2016, showed he still had the game to trouble top players on the tour and forced the 21st seed from Georgia into making a litany of errors. 
 
It was Murray`s first match at Melbourne Park since a five-set defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut in 2019. He skipped the 2018 and 2020 tournaments with injury and also missed the last edition after testing positive for COVID-19 in the leadup.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-open-rafael-nadal-makes-stunning-start-in-his-quest-to-win-a-record-21st-grand-slam-445345">Aus Open: Rafael Nadal makes stunning start in his quest to win a record 21st Grand Slam</a>

"It`s amazing. It`s been a tough three-four years. I`ve put in a lot of work to get back here," Murray said in his on-court interview. "I`ve played on this court many times and the atmosphere is incredible. I`ve always had fantastic support. 
 
"This is the one where I thought potentially I`d played my last match on three years ago but amazing to be back winning a five-set battle like that. Can`t ask for anything more." 
 
This was the third meeting between the pair with the British 34-year-old, who reached the fourth round at the Australian Open in 2017, triumphing in both previous encounters including last week`s win en route to the final in Sydney. 
 
Basilashvili, 29, committed 99 unforced errors, many of which came when the Murray ran from one end of the court to the other to defend doggedly and making his opponent play an extra shot in the rallies. 
 
Murray often had to lean on his racquet to catch his breath for a few seconds as the match went into a deciding set but after an exchange of breaks he converted another opportunity to seal the win after almost a four-hour battle. 
 
After Basilashvili found the net with his return on his third match-point, Murray let out a huge roar and a "let`s go" as an appreciative crowd at the John Cain Arena showcourt gave him a standing ovation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-cannot-play-french-open-without-covid-19-vaccine-says-french-sports-ministry-445506">Novak Djokovic cannot play French Open without COVID-19 vaccine, says French Sports Ministry</a>

"He hits the ball huge from the back of the court," Murray said. "I had to do a lot of running today, lot of defending. 
 
"He`s not the sort of guy you want to see next to your name in the draw too often. But obviously a little bit of confidence from the win last week and I thankfully managed to get over the line today." 
 
Murray will next meet Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel for a place in the third round at the year`s first major.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Andy Murray dipped into the depth of his defensive skills to tame big-hitting Nikoloz Basilashvili during a thrilling 6-1 3-6 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4 win on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in five years.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Andy Murray dipped into the depth of his defensive skills to tame big-hitting Nikoloz Basilashvili during a thrilling 6-1 3-6 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4 win on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in five years. The former world number one, a five-time finalist at Melbourne Park, has seen his ranking plummet since hip surgery in 2019 and long injury layoffs that followed and needed a wildcard into the main draw of this year`s tournament. The 113th-ranked Murray, who won the last of his three major titles at Wimbledon in 2016, showed he still had the game to trouble top players on the tour and forced the 21st seed from Georgia into making a litany of errors. It was Murray`s first match at Melbourne Park since a five-set defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut in 2019. He skipped the 2018 and 2020 tournaments with injury and also missed the last edition after testing positive for COVID-19 in the leadup. ALSO READ | Aus Open: Rafael Nadal makes stunning start in his quest to win a record 21st Grand Slam "It`s amazing. It`s been a tough three-four years. I`ve put in a lot of work to get back here," Murray said in his on-court interview. "I`ve played on this court many times and the atmosphere is incredible. I`ve always had fantastic support. "This is the one where I thought potentially I`d played my last match on three years ago but amazing to be back winning a five-set battle like that. Can`t ask for anything more." This was the third meeting between the pair with the British 34-year-old, who reached the fourth round at the Australian Open in 2017, triumphing in both previous encounters including last week`s win en route to the final in Sydney. Basilashvili, 29, committed 99 unforced errors, many of which came when the Murray ran from one end of the court to the other to defend doggedly and making his opponent play an extra shot in the rallies. Murray often had to lean on his racquet to catch his breath for a few seconds as the match went into a deciding set but after an exchange of breaks he converted another opportunity to seal the win after almost a four-hour battle. After Basilashvili found the net with his return on his third match-point, Murray let out a huge roar and a "let`s go" as an appreciative crowd at the John Cain Arena showcourt gave him a standing ovation. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic cannot play French Open without COVID-19 vaccine, says French Sports Ministry "He hits the ball huge from the back of the court," Murray said. "I had to do a lot of running today, lot of defending. "He`s not the sort of guy you want to see next to your name in the draw too often. But obviously a little bit of confidence from the win last week and I thankfully managed to get over the line today." Murray will next meet Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel for a place in the third round at the year`s first major.

Aus Open: Indefatigable Andy Murray wins thriller vs Nikoloz Basilashvili to enter second round

Former world number one Andy Murray said Friday the Novak Djokovic saga is not good for tennis or the Australian Open but refused to stick the boot into his rival "whilst he's down".<o:p></o:p>

The 20-time Grand Slam winner's visa has been cancelled for a second time in a new attempt to deport the unvaccinated Djokovic just days before the opening major of the year, where he would be defending his title.<o:p></o:p>

British veteran Murray, a five-time finalist at Melbourne Park, said the saga had dragged on too long.<o:p></o:p>

"I mean, it's not a good situation," said the three-time Grand Slam winner after reaching his first final since 2019 at the Sydney Classic.<o:p></o:p>

But he added: "I'm not going to sit here and start kicking Novak whilst he's down.

<o:p>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/novak-djokovic-wont-be-deported-from-australia-on-friday-says-immigration-minister-alex-hawke-444728">Novak Djokovic won't be deported from Australia on Friday, says Immigration Minister Alex Hawke</a></o:p>

"It just seems like it's dragged on for quite a long time now and not great for the tennis, not great for the Australian Open, not great for Novak."<o:p></o:p>

Murray&nbsp;said he wasn't clear on what would happen next or whether the top seed could play his first-round match of the Australian Open against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic next week.<o:p></o:p>

"I don't know what route he goes down, if he can appeal that and how long that takes, and can he still be out practising whilst that process is going on or still competing in the tournament?" he said.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

"Yeah, just want it obviously to get resolved. I think it would be good for everyone if that was the case."&nbsp;

<o:p>Read Also |<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/novak-djokovic-tries-to-avert-deportation-after-australia-cancels-visa-again-444722">&nbsp;Novak Djokovic tries to avert deportation after Australia cancels visa again</a></o:p>

Djokovic is an avowed Covid-19 vaccine sceptic, which has caused his predicament, and Murray said while people should be free to make their own decisions, he encouraged everyone to get the jab.<o:p></o:p>

The 34-year-old Murray recounted that when he went for his booster vaccination, the nurse at his local hospital in Britain told him "every single person that is in ICU (intensive care) and on ventilators are all people that are unvaccinated".<o:p></o:p>

"So to me it makes sense for people to go ahead and have it done," said Murray.<o:p></o:p>

"Most young, sort of healthy athletes are probably going to be okay, but we've all got to play our part in this one."<o:p></o:p>

Former world number one Andy Murray said Friday the Novak Djokovic saga is not good for tennis or the Australian Open but refused to stick the boot into his rival "whilst he's down".

Former world number one Andy Murray said Friday the Novak Djokovic saga is not good for tennis or the Australian Open but refused to stick the boot into his rival "whilst he's down". The 20-time Grand Slam winner's visa has been cancelled for a second time in a new attempt to deport the unvaccinated Djokovic just days before the opening major of the year, where he would be defending his title. British veteran Murray, a five-time finalist at Melbourne Park, said the saga had dragged on too long. "I mean, it's not a good situation," said the three-time Grand Slam winner after reaching his first final since 2019 at the Sydney Classic. But he added: "I'm not going to sit here and start kicking Novak whilst he's down. Read Also | Novak Djokovic won't be deported from Australia on Friday, says Immigration Minister Alex Hawke "It just seems like it's dragged on for quite a long time now and not great for the tennis, not great for the Australian Open, not great for Novak." Murray said he wasn't clear on what would happen next or whether the top seed could play his first-round match of the Australian Open against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic next week. "I don't know what route he goes down, if he can appeal that and how long that takes, and can he still be out practising whilst that process is going on or still competing in the tournament?" he said. "Yeah, just want it obviously to get resolved. I think it would be good for everyone if that was the case." Read Also | Novak Djokovic tries to avert deportation after Australia cancels visa again Djokovic is an avowed Covid-19 vaccine sceptic, which has caused his predicament, and Murray said while people should be free to make their own decisions, he encouraged everyone to get the jab. The 34-year-old Murray recounted that when he went for his booster vaccination, the nurse at his local hospital in Britain told him "every single person that is in ICU (intensive care) and on ventilators are all people that are unvaccinated". "So to me it makes sense for people to go ahead and have it done," said Murray. "Most young, sort of healthy athletes are probably going to be okay, but we've all got to play our part in this one."

Not kicking him whilst he's down, says Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic's Australian Open saga

Britain`s Andy Murray reached the Sydney Tennis Classic semi-finals after his opponent David Goffin was forced to retire in the middle of their last-eight match, here on Thursday. 
 
Former World No 1 won the opening set 6-2 against the former world No 7 before Goffin pulled out of the match, just a game after receiving treatment to the back of his knee. 
 
It is the first time that Murray has reached a tour-level semi-final since Antwerp in 2019. The Scot went on to win the title in Belgium three years ago, defeating former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in the final. 
 
The wild card will now play American Reilly Opelka in the semi-finals following the fourth seed`s 7-6(4), 6-2 victory over countryman Brandon Nakashima in a 83-minute clash.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/australian-open-crowds-to-be-capped-at-50-capacity-under-revised-covid-19-restrictions-444355">Australian Open: Crowds to be capped at 50% capacity under revised COVID-19 restrictions</a> 
 
"It`s obviously been a while for me. I have been getting closer in the last few months, and my results would suggest that. So it`s good to get there this early in the season. Hopefully I can keep building from here and have a strong year," said Murray. 
 
"I want to try and win tournaments again. That`s one of the reasons why I`m still playing, because I believe I can still do that. I`m a couple of matches away from winning another one and I`ll give it my best effort to do that," he added. 
 
Meanwhile, top-seeded Russian Aslan Karatsev overcame Italy`s Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 to reach the semi-finals. 
 
The World No 20, who was voted 2021 Most Improved Player of the Year, triumphed after two hours and 49 minutes in a hard-fought encounter. 
 
Karatsev will now face Daniel Evans in the semis after the third seed edged American Maxime Cressy 6-4, 7-6(5) in one hour and 52 minute match. Evans won his first tour-level title in Australia last season at the Murray River Open in Melbourne.

Britain`s Andy Murray reached the Sydney Tennis Classic semi-finals after his opponent David Goffin was forced to retire in the middle of their last-eight match, here on Thursday.

Britain`s Andy Murray reached the Sydney Tennis Classic semi-finals after his opponent David Goffin was forced to retire in the middle of their last-eight match, here on Thursday. Former World No 1 won the opening set 6-2 against the former world No 7 before Goffin pulled out of the match, just a game after receiving treatment to the back of his knee. It is the first time that Murray has reached a tour-level semi-final since Antwerp in 2019. The Scot went on to win the title in Belgium three years ago, defeating former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in the final. The wild card will now play American Reilly Opelka in the semi-finals following the fourth seed`s 7-6(4), 6-2 victory over countryman Brandon Nakashima in a 83-minute clash. Read Also | Australian Open: Crowds to be capped at 50% capacity under revised COVID-19 restrictions "It`s obviously been a while for me. I have been getting closer in the last few months, and my results would suggest that. So it`s good to get there this early in the season. Hopefully I can keep building from here and have a strong year," said Murray. "I want to try and win tournaments again. That`s one of the reasons why I`m still playing, because I believe I can still do that. I`m a couple of matches away from winning another one and I`ll give it my best effort to do that," he added. Meanwhile, top-seeded Russian Aslan Karatsev overcame Italy`s Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 to reach the semi-finals. The World No 20, who was voted 2021 Most Improved Player of the Year, triumphed after two hours and 49 minutes in a hard-fought encounter. Karatsev will now face Daniel Evans in the semis after the third seed edged American Maxime Cressy 6-4, 7-6(5) in one hour and 52 minute match. Evans won his first tour-level title in Australia last season at the Murray River Open in Melbourne.

Andy Murray defeats David Goffin to reach semi-final in Sydney Tennis Classic

Former men's tennis world number one Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open, organisers announced on Thursday praising him for his "fighting spirit".

The 34-year-old is ranked a lowly 134 as he battles to recover consistently good form after persistent injury problems.

However, towards the end of last season he recorded two top-10 triumphs over Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz and Italy's Jannik Sinner.

He showed some form too in beating compatriot Dan Evans and another former world number one Rafael Nadal in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/organizing-for-2022-has-been-10-times-harder-than-2021-says-australian-open-boss-craig-tiley-439225">Organizing for 2022 has been 10 times harder than 2021, says Australian Open boss Craig Tiley</a>

"Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard," tweeted Craig Tiley the CEO of the Australian Open.

"Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I'm delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.

"We can't wait to see you at #AO2022."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Five-time finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> is awarded a main draw wildcard. 
 
“Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.” - <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigTiley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigTiley</a> 
 
We can’t wait to see you at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2022</a>, Andy 💪💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/pJpBy4qXQT">pic.twitter.com/pJpBy4qXQT</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1473972127820705793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-reporter-posts-fresh-unverified-footage-of-tennis-star-peng-shuai-online-watch-438150">Chinese reporter posts fresh unverified footage of Tennis star Peng Shuai online- WATCH</a>

Murray&nbsp;has three Grand Slam titles to his name -- winning Wimbledon twice in 2013 and 2016 and the 2016 US Open -- but the Australian Open has eluded him despite reaching the final five times.

The Australian Open runs from January 17 to 30.

Former men's tennis world number one Andy Murray has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open, organisers announced on Thursday praising him for his "fighting spirit".

Former men's tennis world number one Andy Murray has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open, organisers announced on Thursday praising him for his "fighting spirit". The 34-year-old is ranked a lowly 134 as he battles to recover consistently good form after persistent injury problems. However, towards the end of last season he recorded two top-10 triumphs over Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz and Italy's Jannik Sinner. He showed some form too in beating compatriot Dan Evans and another former world number one Rafael Nadal in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week. ALSO READ: Organizing for 2022 has been 10 times harder than 2021, says Australian Open boss Craig Tiley "Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard," tweeted Craig Tiley the CEO of the Australian Open. "Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I'm delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January. "We can't wait to see you at #AO2022." Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard. “Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.” - @CraigTiley We can’t wait to see you at #AO2022, Andy 💪💙#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/pJpBy4qXQT — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 23, 2021 × ALSO READ: Chinese reporter posts fresh unverified footage of Tennis star Peng Shuai online- WATCH Murray has three Grand Slam titles to his name -- winning Wimbledon twice in 2013 and 2016 and the 2016 US Open -- but the Australian Open has eluded him despite reaching the final five times. The Australian Open runs from January 17 to 30.

Five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray handed wild card entry

Rafael Nadal deemed his unofficial return to competition in Abu Dhabi as a "positive start" after he fell to&nbsp;Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;in a high-quality exhibition match on Friday.

In a battle of two former world number ones, the Scot won 6-3, 7-5 in the semi-final of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

Nadal, who had played just two matches in six months after a foot injury that ruled him out of Wimbledon and the US Open, was back in action for the first time since August.

"I think I did a lot of things well and other things, of course after a long period of time, I need to recover again, some things that when you're under competition come automatically," Nadal said after facing&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;for the first time since 2016.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-organisers-confirm-medical-exemption-process-for-unvaccinated-players-437612">Australian Open organisers confirm medical exemption process for unvaccinated players</a>

"Now I have to think more, or you don't have this extra time to make the right decisions."&nbsp;

"In general terms it has been a positive match, I even had my chances to win that second set."

"It's just a positive start. I played even better than what I thought a few weeks ago."

The 20-time Grand Slam champion says he only started playing practice sets two days ago.&nbsp;

"In Mallorca for the last five months, I played zero of these matches. I just did exercises and something more under control to try and make the normal evolution for the foot," explained Nadal.

On Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, Nadal trained with world No.14 Denis Shapovalov, who was impressed.

"He killed me on the court yesterday so I think he's feeling pretty good," said the 22-year-old Canadian.

Another intense session came against world No.5 Andrey Rublev, who said their two-and-a-half-hour hit left him "destroyed".

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;was pleased with his two wins in the Abu Dhabi exhibition so far, having beaten fellow Briton Daniel Evans on Thursday before disposing of Nadal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-named-as-itf-world-champion-for-seventh-time-ash-barty-crowned-for-second-time-437474">Novak Djokovic named as ITF world champion for seventh time, Ash Barty crowned for second time</a>

Murray&nbsp;put together a strong performance on Friday, serving well and moving comfortably with his metal hip.

"I saw him playing well," said Nadal. "I think last year he played some good tennis and it seems like he's able to play more often now with less limitation. I see him moving well."

Nadal plans to fly to Melbourne later this month to compete in an ATP 250 event ahead of the Australian Open.&nbsp;

There is a vaccine mandate on all players wishing to be part of the action at Melbourne Park in January and Nadal was asked if he was behind such a decision.

"I am not with or without, I am just following what the organisation of health says," said Nadal.

"I don't pretend to know more than the authorised people say."

Rafael Nadal deemed his unofficial return to competition in Abu Dhabi as a "positive start" after he fell to Andy Murray in a high-quality exhibition match on Friday.

Rafael Nadal deemed his unofficial return to competition in Abu Dhabi as a "positive start" after he fell to Andy Murray in a high-quality exhibition match on Friday. In a battle of two former world number ones, the Scot won 6-3, 7-5 in the semi-final of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Nadal, who had played just two matches in six months after a foot injury that ruled him out of Wimbledon and the US Open, was back in action for the first time since August. "I think I did a lot of things well and other things, of course after a long period of time, I need to recover again, some things that when you're under competition come automatically," Nadal said after facing Murray for the first time since 2016. ALSO READ: Australian Open organisers confirm medical exemption process for unvaccinated players "Now I have to think more, or you don't have this extra time to make the right decisions." "In general terms it has been a positive match, I even had my chances to win that second set." "It's just a positive start. I played even better than what I thought a few weeks ago." The 20-time Grand Slam champion says he only started playing practice sets two days ago. "In Mallorca for the last five months, I played zero of these matches. I just did exercises and something more under control to try and make the normal evolution for the foot," explained Nadal. On Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, Nadal trained with world No.14 Denis Shapovalov, who was impressed. "He killed me on the court yesterday so I think he's feeling pretty good," said the 22-year-old Canadian. Another intense session came against world No.5 Andrey Rublev, who said their two-and-a-half-hour hit left him "destroyed". Meanwhile, Murray was pleased with his two wins in the Abu Dhabi exhibition so far, having beaten fellow Briton Daniel Evans on Thursday before disposing of Nadal. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic named as ITF world champion for seventh time, Ash Barty crowned for second time Murray put together a strong performance on Friday, serving well and moving comfortably with his metal hip. "I saw him playing well," said Nadal. "I think last year he played some good tennis and it seems like he's able to play more often now with less limitation. I see him moving well." Nadal plans to fly to Melbourne later this month to compete in an ATP 250 event ahead of the Australian Open. There is a vaccine mandate on all players wishing to be part of the action at Melbourne Park in January and Nadal was asked if he was behind such a decision. "I am not with or without, I am just following what the organisation of health says," said Nadal. "I don't pretend to know more than the authorised people say."

Andy Murray beats rusty Rafael Nadal 6-3, 7-5 in Abu Dhabi exhibition event but both remain pleased

Andy Murray expects unvaccinated players to compete at the Australian Open but says he would support moves by local authorities to impose stricter conditions on them at Melbourne Park than those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula said on Tuesday that players planning to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year should get vaccinated to give themselves the best chance of competing in Melbourne.

Tennis Australia has declined to comment on arrangements for players based on their vaccination status.

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However, vaccinated players are expected to given more freedom to move around and may also be able to skip the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

"My understanding is if you're unvaccinated you're still allowed to play, it's just the rules are going to be different," Murray told a news conference after Tuesday`s third-round Indian Wells defeat by Alexander Zverev.

"You might just have to leave (for Australia) a few weeks earlier than everyone else. That`s the player`s choice. If the local government puts that in place then I would support that.

"It would be great if more players got vaccinated.

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"Australia in particular has been very, very strict over there. The public there have had to endure a painful 18 months or whatever.

"If people are going to come into the country and potentially risk an outbreak in their community, yeah, that`s understandable."

World number four Zverev, who in April said he had not been vaccinated, did not want to be stuck in the middle of the debate.

"I fully respect the decisions of players that are not vaccinated. I also do respect the decision that the Australian government is giving," he said.

"I don't want to be in the middle of something which I kind of am not involved in because I don`t have that issue of the two-week quarantine, all that. I don't want to go against anybody here."

The Australian Open is due to start on Jan. 17.

Andy Murray expects unvaccinated players to compete at the Australian Open but says he would support moves by local authorities to impose stricter conditions on them at Melbourne Park than those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Andy Murray expects unvaccinated players to compete at the Australian Open but says he would support moves by local authorities to impose stricter conditions on them at Melbourne Park than those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula said on Tuesday that players planning to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year should get vaccinated to give themselves the best chance of competing in Melbourne. Tennis Australia has declined to comment on arrangements for players based on their vaccination status. ALSO READ: Daniil Medvedev overcomes Filip Krajinovic to set up Dimitrov clash at Indian Wells However, vaccinated players are expected to given more freedom to move around and may also be able to skip the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. "My understanding is if you're unvaccinated you're still allowed to play, it's just the rules are going to be different," Murray told a news conference after Tuesday`s third-round Indian Wells defeat by Alexander Zverev. "You might just have to leave (for Australia) a few weeks earlier than everyone else. That`s the player`s choice. If the local government puts that in place then I would support that. "It would be great if more players got vaccinated. ALSO READ: Lost and found: Andy Murray's wedding ring remains in headline as he reaches second round at Indian Wells "Australia in particular has been very, very strict over there. The public there have had to endure a painful 18 months or whatever. "If people are going to come into the country and potentially risk an outbreak in their community, yeah, that`s understandable." World number four Zverev, who in April said he had not been vaccinated, did not want to be stuck in the middle of the debate. "I fully respect the decisions of players that are not vaccinated. I also do respect the decision that the Australian government is giving," he said. "I don't want to be in the middle of something which I kind of am not involved in because I don`t have that issue of the two-week quarantine, all that. I don't want to go against anybody here." The Australian Open is due to start on Jan. 17.

Andy Murray says will support restrictions on unvaccinated players at Australian Open

A couple of days back, Andy Murray said that he was in the "bad books" at home as he lost his wedding ring in California, which was tied to the laces of his shoes. British tennis star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murrays-plea-over-stolen-wedding-ring-sums-up-the-plight-of-every-married-man-418912">gave details of the incident</a>, issuing a plea as he asked for help in recovering the missing items.&nbsp;

Murray had said that his shoes reeked so badly as he decided to leave them under the vehicle outside his hotel in California overnight to dry them out overnight. However, the 'idiotic' decision led to them being stolen.&nbsp;

Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, is finally in "back in the good books" now with his wife after his wedding ring and stinky were returned to him. "Little update for everyone. Would you believe it?" Murray said before taking a big whiff of the footwear. "They still absolutely stink but the shoes are back, the wedding ring is back, and I'm back in the good books," he added.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-champion-emma-raducanu-sent-packing-by-world-no-100-at-indian-wells-419363">US Open champion Emma Raducanu sent packing by world No. 100 at Indian Wells</a>

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The shoes are back. 👟 
The ring is back. 💍 
 
Let’s go, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a>!!! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO21</a> <a href="https://t.co/hA5VKX98mm">pic.twitter.com/hA5VKX98mm</a>
— ATP Tour (@atptour) <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1446237870574825502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Murray is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, where sealed a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 win over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Indian Wells tournament on Friday (October 8).

The Briton was happy with his performance, firing five aces and striking 19 winners to secure his first victory at the Indian Wells since 2016, but said the missing items dilemma before the match nearly pushed him to contact the police.&nbsp;

"'So basically the day after we realised they were, let's say, misplaced or someone had moved them, I went and I spoke to the lost and found a couple times at the hotel that day. They said they'd found nothing," Murray said.&nbsp;

"I spoke to security. They said they found nothing. I was like, 'Well, they're gone'. I was going to file a police report to try to get them back or to increase my chance of getting them back," he added.&nbsp;

Murray will face 18-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.&nbsp;

A couple of days back, Andy Murray said that he was in the "bad books" at home as he lost his wedding ring in California, which was tied to the laces of his shoes.

A couple of days back, Andy Murray said that he was in the "bad books" at home as he lost his wedding ring in California, which was tied to the laces of his shoes. British tennis star gave details of the incident, issuing a plea as he asked for help in recovering the missing items. Murray had said that his shoes reeked so badly as he decided to leave them under the vehicle outside his hotel in California overnight to dry them out overnight. However, the 'idiotic' decision led to them being stolen. Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, is finally in "back in the good books" now with his wife after his wedding ring and stinky were returned to him. "Little update for everyone. Would you believe it?" Murray said before taking a big whiff of the footwear. "They still absolutely stink but the shoes are back, the wedding ring is back, and I'm back in the good books," he added. ALSO READ | US Open champion Emma Raducanu sent packing by world No. 100 at Indian Wells The shoes are back. 👟 The ring is back. 💍 Let’s go, @andy_murray!!! 💪#BNPPO21 pic.twitter.com/hA5VKX98mm — ATP Tour (@atptour) October 7, 2021 × Murray is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, where sealed a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 win over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Indian Wells tournament on Friday (October 8). The Briton was happy with his performance, firing five aces and striking 19 winners to secure his first victory at the Indian Wells since 2016, but said the missing items dilemma before the match nearly pushed him to contact the police. "'So basically the day after we realised they were, let's say, misplaced or someone had moved them, I went and I spoke to the lost and found a couple times at the hotel that day. They said they'd found nothing," Murray said. "I spoke to security. They said they found nothing. I was like, 'Well, they're gone'. I was going to file a police report to try to get them back or to increase my chance of getting them back," he added. Murray will face 18-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.

Lost and found: Andy Murray's wedding ring remains in headline as he reaches second round at Indian Wells

British tennis star Andy Murray issued a plea after his shoes and wedding ring were stolen in California as he is now in the "bad books" at home. The incident pretty much sums up the plight of every married man in the world.&nbsp;

Murray, who is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, revealed in a&nbsp;video posted by ATP's Twitter handel, that an 'idiotic' decision to dry his sweaty shoes led to them being stolen.&nbsp;

The three-time Grand Slam winner said that he left his tennis shoes underneath his car to dry out overnight in front of the hotel room, but they had vanished when he returned in the morning.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-pakistan-beat-india-in-t20-world-cup-pcb-to-get-blank-cheque-ramiz-raja-reveals-investors-big-claim-418875">If Pakistan beat India in T20 World Cup, PCB to get blank cheque: Ramiz Raja reveals investor's BIG claim</a>

Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, has played with his wedding ring attached to one of his laces as he can't play while wearing it in his finger.&nbsp;

That's exactly&nbsp;happened when he took part in a practice session ahead of his opener in the Indian Wells tournament against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.

He said that when his physio asked about his wedding band, then he realised he had left the ring tied to his footwear.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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🎾 <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> needs your help! 
 
His tennis shoes have been stolen and, attached to them, is his wedding ring. Oops.<a href="https://t.co/4bBDDlels6">pic.twitter.com/4bBDDlels6</a>
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSportsman/status/1446057351761563648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Last night after dinner in Indian Wells, I got back in the car to go back to the hotel and it didn't smell great. I'd left my tennis shoes in there ... it's been like 38-39 degrees so the shoes are damp, sweaty and smelly," Murray said in the video.

Murray said he left his shoes underneath the car to avoid the "stink" in his room but when he got back to the car in the morning they were gone.

"I decided when I got back to the hotel that the shoes needed some air, I needed to dry them out a bit ... I have no balcony in my room and didn't want to leave them in my room to stink the room out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-man-of-many-talents-rohit-sharma-imitates-mi-legends-shares-video-on-instagram-watch-418679">IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH</a>

"So I thought I'm going to leave the shoes under the car ... overnight. When I got back to the car in the morning the shoes were gone. I had to go to a local pro shop to buy different shoes to what I normally wear ... which isn't the end of the world but not ideal.

"I was preparing for my practice when my physio said to me 'where's your wedding ring?' And I was like 'oh no' .... So yeah, my ring has been stolen as well. Needless to say I'm in the bad books at home so I want to try and find it."

British tennis star Andy Murray issued a plea after his shoes and wedding ring were stolen in California as he is now in the "bad books" at home. The incident pretty much sums up the plight of every married man in the world.

British tennis star Andy Murray issued a plea after his shoes and wedding ring were stolen in California as he is now in the "bad books" at home. The incident pretty much sums up the plight of every married man in the world. Murray, who is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, revealed in a video posted by ATP's Twitter handel, that an 'idiotic' decision to dry his sweaty shoes led to them being stolen. The three-time Grand Slam winner said that he left his tennis shoes underneath his car to dry out overnight in front of the hotel room, but they had vanished when he returned in the morning. ALSO READ | If Pakistan beat India in T20 World Cup, PCB to get blank cheque: Ramiz Raja reveals investor's BIG claim Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, has played with his wedding ring attached to one of his laces as he can't play while wearing it in his finger. That's exactly happened when he took part in a practice session ahead of his opener in the Indian Wells tournament against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. He said that when his physio asked about his wedding band, then he realised he had left the ring tied to his footwear. Watch the video here: 🎾 @andy_murray needs your help! His tennis shoes have been stolen and, attached to them, is his wedding ring. Oops.pic.twitter.com/4bBDDlels6 — The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) October 7, 2021 × "Last night after dinner in Indian Wells, I got back in the car to go back to the hotel and it didn't smell great. I'd left my tennis shoes in there ... it's been like 38-39 degrees so the shoes are damp, sweaty and smelly," Murray said in the video. Murray said he left his shoes underneath the car to avoid the "stink" in his room but when he got back to the car in the morning they were gone. "I decided when I got back to the hotel that the shoes needed some air, I needed to dry them out a bit ... I have no balcony in my room and didn't want to leave them in my room to stink the room out. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH "So I thought I'm going to leave the shoes under the car ... overnight. When I got back to the car in the morning the shoes were gone. I had to go to a local pro shop to buy different shoes to what I normally wear ... which isn't the end of the world but not ideal. "I was preparing for my practice when my physio said to me 'where's your wedding ring?' And I was like 'oh no' .... So yeah, my ring has been stolen as well. Needless to say I'm in the bad books at home so I want to try and find it."

Watch: Andy Murray's plea over 'stolen' wedding ring sums up the plight of every married man

Andy Murray has described Emma Raducanu`s US Open title as "very special" after she became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title for 44 years on Saturday. 
 
Nine years after Murray won the first of his three Grand Slam titles at the US&nbsp;Open, 18-year-old Raducanu stunned the tennis world by beating fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in Flushing Meadows. 
 
Raducanu, the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam title, did not drop a set throughout the tournament. 
 
"It was incredible what she did there," Murray, who himself ended Britain`s 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam champion when he beat Novak Djokovic in the 2012 final, told the BBC. 
 
"What she did in New York was very special, a huge boost for British tennis and gives hopefully the governing bodies an opportunity to capitalise on that and get more and more kids involved in the sport. It`s great what she did and a huge opportunity for British tennis now." 
 
The 34-year-old Murray, who has long shouldered the burden of British tennis, said he knew how good Raducanu was when she reached the Wimbledon fourth round earlier this year. 
 
"I`ve spent a little bit of time around her on the practice court, but more so in the same building, training close to each other, and watching what she`s doing, and she`s obviously really, really good," the former world number one said.

Andy Murray has described Emma Raducanu`s US Open title as "very special" after she became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title for 44 years on Saturday.

Andy Murray has described Emma Raducanu`s US Open title as "very special" after she became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title for 44 years on Saturday. Nine years after Murray won the first of his three Grand Slam titles at the US Open, 18-year-old Raducanu stunned the tennis world by beating fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in Flushing Meadows. Raducanu, the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam title, did not drop a set throughout the tournament. "It was incredible what she did there," Murray, who himself ended Britain`s 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam champion when he beat Novak Djokovic in the 2012 final, told the BBC. "What she did in New York was very special, a huge boost for British tennis and gives hopefully the governing bodies an opportunity to capitalise on that and get more and more kids involved in the sport. It`s great what she did and a huge opportunity for British tennis now." The 34-year-old Murray, who has long shouldered the burden of British tennis, said he knew how good Raducanu was when she reached the Wimbledon fourth round earlier this year. "I`ve spent a little bit of time around her on the practice court, but more so in the same building, training close to each other, and watching what she`s doing, and she`s obviously really, really good," the former world number one said.

Emma Raducanu's US Open win very special, says Andy Murray

After going out in the first round at the US Open, Andy Murray continued his comeback at a Challenger event in Rennes on Monday, saying he wanted to play matches and boost his ranking.

"Obviously I would like to try and win the event," said the Scot who on Monday beat German Yannick Maden 6-3, 6-1, in the first round at Rennes.&nbsp;

"Most importantly, for me, is just to get matches. I want to keep playing, competing and get my body used to playing two, three, gour matches in a week again".

Murray, who underwent right hip surgery in 2017 and again 2019, lost in five sets to third-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round in New York, where the Scot won the third of his major titles in 2012.&nbsp;

"One of the goals between now and the end of the year is to try and make a big improvement with my ranking, and to do that, I need to be competing often," said the 34-year-old who is ranked 116.&nbsp;

"I still feel like I can play a very high level but if all of the time when I go to the big tournaments I play top players right at the beginning of the event, it's not so easy".

"The Challengers often have good players. We have three guys that have been in the top 10. That's quite rare. There should be some good matches, and it's nice for the crowd to come out and watch the French players," he said.&nbsp;

After going out in the first round at the US Open, Andy Murray continued his comeback at a Challenger event in Rennes on Monday, saying he wanted to play matches and boost his ranking.

After going out in the first round at the US Open, Andy Murray continued his comeback at a Challenger event in Rennes on Monday, saying he wanted to play matches and boost his ranking. "Obviously I would like to try and win the event," said the Scot who on Monday beat German Yannick Maden 6-3, 6-1, in the first round at Rennes. "Most importantly, for me, is just to get matches. I want to keep playing, competing and get my body used to playing two, three, gour matches in a week again". Murray, who underwent right hip surgery in 2017 and again 2019, lost in five sets to third-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round in New York, where the Scot won the third of his major titles in 2012. "One of the goals between now and the end of the year is to try and make a big improvement with my ranking, and to do that, I need to be competing often," said the 34-year-old who is ranked 116. "I still feel like I can play a very high level but if all of the time when I go to the big tournaments I play top players right at the beginning of the event, it's not so easy". "The Challengers often have good players. We have three guys that have been in the top 10. That's quite rare. There should be some good matches, and it's nice for the crowd to come out and watch the French players," he said.

Murray wins in Rennes as he aims to get his body 'used to playing'

Andy Murray may have been the forgotten man at the U.S. Open but gave the crowd and Stefanos Tsitsipas a match to remember forcing the third seed to grind out a 2-6 7-6(7) 3-6 6-3 6-4 win on Monday to avoid the opening round shocker. 
 
In the buildup to Flushing Meadows all the talk had centred around the Big Three, Novak Djokovic`s hunt for the calendar-year Grand Slam and the absence of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. 
 
But Murray reminded everyone there was a fourth Beatle in that dominant group as he turned back the clock on Arthur Ashe Stadium court looking more like the player who won the 2012 U.S. Open title than the injury ravaged 34-year-old. 
 
"I`ve said it a lot over this last few months that I know I`m capable of playing that tennis," said Murray, still fighting his way back to form after career-threatening hip surgery. "I need to spend time on the court, getting the chance to play against these guys. 
 
"I proved some things to a certain extent. Obviously didn`t win the match tonight. "Overall I did well tonight, but I`m really, really disappointed, really disappointed after that, frustrated, all those things." 
 
After reaching the final of the French Open, Tsitsipas arrived in New York and ready to take that final step to Grand Slam champion only to nearly stumble at the first hurdle, needing almost five hours in punishing conditions to see off the former world number one. 
 
In the end the question was always going to be how much fuel did Murray have left in the tank and the answer was not enough. 
 
After four hours in the sweltering heat that left both men bathed in sweat, the fifth set began with Tsitsipas grabbing the early break while Murray complained with courtside officials about Tsitsipas spending too much time in the bathroom. 
 
A fired up Tsitsipas would continue to apply the pressure but the one break was all that would be needed. 
 
While Murray may have lost a step, his warrior spirit remains intact as he provided the young Greek with a tennis master class in the first set. 
 
After Tsitsipas held serve to open the match Murray stormed through the next five games. With fans back in Arthur Ashe Stadium after it stood empty last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the massive arena bubbled with energy that Murray tapped into using the support to full advantage. 
 
Tsitsipas meanwhile was using the rules to his advantage, leaving Murray accusing the Greek of cheating by taking bathroom breaks, medical timeouts and changing racquets in an attempt to unsettle him. 
 
If that was Tsitsipas` plan it worked, particularly in the crucial fifth set, as a distracted Murray angrily offered his opinion to the chair umpire, courtside officials and anyone else in ear shot. 
 
"I think he`s a brilliant player. I think he`s great for the game but I have zero time for that stuff at all," said Murray. "I lost respect for him." Murray was particularly upset not only with the timing of Tsitsipas` bathroom breaks but the length with one lasting eight minutes. 
 
For his part Tsitsipas noted that he had simply followed the rules. "I don`t think I broke any rules," said Tsitsipas. "I`m playing by the rules and sticking to what the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) says is fair, then the rest is fine." 
&nbsp;

Andy Murray may have been the forgotten man at the U.S. Open but gave the crowd and Stefanos Tsitsipas a match to remember forcing the third seed to grind out a 2-6 7-6(7) 3-6 6-3 6-4 win on Monday to avoid the opening round shocker.

Andy Murray may have been the forgotten man at the U.S. Open but gave the crowd and Stefanos Tsitsipas a match to remember forcing the third seed to grind out a 2-6 7-6(7) 3-6 6-3 6-4 win on Monday to avoid the opening round shocker. In the buildup to Flushing Meadows all the talk had centred around the Big Three, Novak Djokovic`s hunt for the calendar-year Grand Slam and the absence of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. But Murray reminded everyone there was a fourth Beatle in that dominant group as he turned back the clock on Arthur Ashe Stadium court looking more like the player who won the 2012 U.S. Open title than the injury ravaged 34-year-old. "I`ve said it a lot over this last few months that I know I`m capable of playing that tennis," said Murray, still fighting his way back to form after career-threatening hip surgery. "I need to spend time on the court, getting the chance to play against these guys. "I proved some things to a certain extent. Obviously didn`t win the match tonight. "Overall I did well tonight, but I`m really, really disappointed, really disappointed after that, frustrated, all those things." After reaching the final of the French Open, Tsitsipas arrived in New York and ready to take that final step to Grand Slam champion only to nearly stumble at the first hurdle, needing almost five hours in punishing conditions to see off the former world number one. In the end the question was always going to be how much fuel did Murray have left in the tank and the answer was not enough. After four hours in the sweltering heat that left both men bathed in sweat, the fifth set began with Tsitsipas grabbing the early break while Murray complained with courtside officials about Tsitsipas spending too much time in the bathroom. A fired up Tsitsipas would continue to apply the pressure but the one break was all that would be needed. While Murray may have lost a step, his warrior spirit remains intact as he provided the young Greek with a tennis master class in the first set. After Tsitsipas held serve to open the match Murray stormed through the next five games. With fans back in Arthur Ashe Stadium after it stood empty last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the massive arena bubbled with energy that Murray tapped into using the support to full advantage. Tsitsipas meanwhile was using the rules to his advantage, leaving Murray accusing the Greek of cheating by taking bathroom breaks, medical timeouts and changing racquets in an attempt to unsettle him. If that was Tsitsipas` plan it worked, particularly in the crucial fifth set, as a distracted Murray angrily offered his opinion to the chair umpire, courtside officials and anyone else in ear shot. "I think he`s a brilliant player. I think he`s great for the game but I have zero time for that stuff at all," said Murray. "I lost respect for him." Murray was particularly upset not only with the timing of Tsitsipas` bathroom breaks but the length with one lasting eight minutes. For his part Tsitsipas noted that he had simply followed the rules. "I don`t think I broke any rules," said Tsitsipas. "I`m playing by the rules and sticking to what the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) says is fair, then the rest is fine."

US Open: Forgotten man Andy Murray gives Stefanos Tsitsipas match to remember before bowing out in five-set thriller

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