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.
Kosovo prepares a new draft law on renting prison cells to Denmark after the first proposal failed
A politician running for mayor in northern Mexico is killed, the 16th hopeful slain over June vote
John Tortorella says he failed to get Flyers to 'close the deal' in wake of late
PSG loanee Ekitiké scores winner as Eintracht Frankfurt beats Augsburg
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Georgia gymnastics coach Courtney Kupets Carter is fired after 7 seasons, no NCAA titles
WNBA moving date of its preseason game in Canada to avoid potential conflict with NHL playoffs
Stars waited late to find out they get playoff rematch against the defending Stanley Cup champions
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
Stars waited late to find out they get playoff rematch against the defending Stanley Cup champions