GENEVA (AP) — Needing a win to face Novak Djokovic next at the Geneva Open, Andy Murray was saved by a heavy rainstorm when he trailed unseeded Yannick Hanfmann 7-5, 4-1 in a first-round match on Monday.
Murray and top-ranked Djokovic both got wild cards to enter the last clay-court event to prepare for the French Open, and were drawn to meet in the second round. They have not faced each other on tour since February 2017.
Ranked No. 75, Murray began to struggle in his first tour match in two months when heavy rain and strong winds swept across the stadium court in a lakeside park.
The 85th-ranked Hanfmann broke Murray’s service twice in a row to lead 4-1 with his service game to come when play was suspended.
In the opening set, Murray found some big serves to get out of trouble in the ninth game when he saved two break points.
It was just a respite, as Murray was broken to love in his next service game, sealed by a Hanfmann forehand service return winner.
Medics remove 150 MAGGOTS from a woman's mouth after dental procedure left her with rotting tissue
DPP 'responsible' for hindered cross
World reporters gain insights at two sessions
SOEs crucial to China's economic growth
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
National security bill comes into law on March 23
Beijing's efforts seen as key to resolving crisis
China strengthens punishment of corrupt practices
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Central government authorities support and welcome passage of Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong
Children are evacuated from school 'during an exam' after threat made via email
National security bill comes into law on March 23