Andy Murray faced a first-round exit at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier, succumbing to a 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 defeat against France’s Benoit Paire.
This loss follows Murray’s early exit at the Australian Open, marking one victory in his last eight matches.
The 36-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam champion, hinted at possible retirement if the enjoyment in playing didn’t return this year, especially after struggling in the latter part of the 2023 season.
Despite a promising start, Murray couldn’t sustain his momentum, slipping to 49th in the world rankings.
On a brighter note for British tennis, Katie Boulter achieved success by breezing past Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini in straight sets at the Linz Open in Austria.
The 27-year-old British number one secured a swift 6-2, 6-2 victory, saving all five break points faced.
Boulter’s next challenge in the last 16 will be against Russian world number 42 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Additionally, British number two Jodie Burrage fought her way into the main draw, overcoming Germany’s Anna-Lena Friedsam with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 win in two hours and 27 minutes.