Spoiler:
Scot returns to singles action for first time since 14 January
The motivation remains, but Andy Murray's singles comeback began with a fair share of rust on Monday at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
Playing in his first singles match in 210 days, the 32-year-old moved gingerly on court and often opted to play the safe shot with plenty of topspin against Richard Gasquet, who had little trouble against his peer.
The Frenchman controlled play from the start, using his vast array of spin and angles from both wings to push Murray from side to side and front to back, mixing in drop shots with backhand drives. Gasquet earned only his fourth victory in their 12-match FedEx ATP Head2Head series and ended a five-match losing streak against Murray, 6-4, 6-4.
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Murray last played singles on 14 January at the Australian Open, a five-set loss to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut. At the time, Murray thought it might have been his last singles match. The 2016 year-end No. 1 had already undergone one surgery on his right hip on 8 January 2018, and he was contemplating retirement – or another hip surgery.
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Murray chose the latter on 28 January, and he returned to the doubles court nearly two months ago with Spain's Feliciano Lopez, winning the Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen's Club in London. Gradually, though, Murray began practising singles and felt comfortable enough to ask for a wild card at the season's seventh ATP Masters 1000 event.
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Gasquet, however, with his touch and wizardry from the back of the court, probed Murray's fitness all match as Murray's friends Nick Kyrgios and Feliciano Lopez watched. The Frenchman broke Murray twice in the opener, and it wasn't until the fourth game of the second set that the tentative Murray landed his first groundstroke winner – a crosscourt forehand on the run.
The Scot seemed to be settling into the match at that moment and had a break point to get back on serve at 2-2. But Gasquet never let go his early break against the two-time champion. Gasquet will next meet fourth seed Dominic Thiem, who is going for his second Masters 1000 title of the season after winning the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March.
The motivation remains, but Andy Murray's singles comeback began with a fair share of rust on Monday at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
Playing in his first singles match in 210 days, the 32-year-old moved gingerly on court and often opted to play the safe shot with plenty of topspin against Richard Gasquet, who had little trouble against his peer.
The Frenchman controlled play from the start, using his vast array of spin and angles from both wings to push Murray from side to side and front to back, mixing in drop shots with backhand drives. Gasquet earned only his fourth victory in their 12-match FedEx ATP Head2Head series and ended a five-match losing streak against Murray, 6-4, 6-4.
More From #CincyTennis
Tsitsipas & Kyrgios Open Up On Bromance
Here's Why Fritz Is Having His Best Season
Kecmanovic Upsets Felix In #NextGenATP Battle
Can You Pass Our Cincy Quiz?
Murray last played singles on 14 January at the Australian Open, a five-set loss to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut. At the time, Murray thought it might have been his last singles match. The 2016 year-end No. 1 had already undergone one surgery on his right hip on 8 January 2018, and he was contemplating retirement – or another hip surgery.
You May Also Like: Why Gasquet Is Taking His Recovery Step-By-Step
Murray chose the latter on 28 January, and he returned to the doubles court nearly two months ago with Spain's Feliciano Lopez, winning the Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen's Club in London. Gradually, though, Murray began practising singles and felt comfortable enough to ask for a wild card at the season's seventh ATP Masters 1000 event.
Watch Live
Gasquet, however, with his touch and wizardry from the back of the court, probed Murray's fitness all match as Murray's friends Nick Kyrgios and Feliciano Lopez watched. The Frenchman broke Murray twice in the opener, and it wasn't until the fourth game of the second set that the tentative Murray landed his first groundstroke winner – a crosscourt forehand on the run.
The Scot seemed to be settling into the match at that moment and had a break point to get back on serve at 2-2. But Gasquet never let go his early break against the two-time champion. Gasquet will next meet fourth seed Dominic Thiem, who is going for his second Masters 1000 title of the season after winning the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March.
d. Diego Schwartzman 
7-6(6) 6-3
7-6(2) 3-6 6-2
