Andy Murray is out of the Australian Open after a straight-sets defeat to the 30th seed Tomas Martin Etchevvery in the opening round. The 36-year-old could not repeat his Melbourne heroics from last year as the big-serving Etcheverry capitalised on an error-strewn performance from the former world No 1 to win 6-4 6-2 6-2 in two hours and 23 minutes.
Murray’s defeat marks his earliest exit from a grand slam since the 2021 US Open and the five-time Australian Open finalist was left considering his future. “It’s definitely a possibility that’s the last time I play here,” Murray admitted. “Probably because of how the match went. I’m disappointed. Not much went right. It was a poor performance and it was very, very flat.”
The night session was headlined by the returning Naomi Osaka, as the two-time Australian Open champion played her first grand slam match in 15 months after having a baby last summer. But the former world No 1 faced a tough test and ran into an inspired opponent in Caroline Garcia, who produced a masterclass in serving to win a thrilling clash 6-3 7-6. It followed home favourite Alex De Minaur progressing to the second round after former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic was forced to retire midway through the third set.
Earlier on Monday there were first-round wins for US Open champion Coco Gauff and former Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev. Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova is out, however, after the seventh seed crashed to a 6-1 6-2 thumping by Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska.
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