Tennis Legend Andy Murray Battles Elements in Geneva Open Showdown
Former world number one Andy Murray found himself in a tight spot at the Geneva Open as he faced a first-round deficit against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann. The match was suspended due to bizarre weather conditions, with rain and gusting winds blowing white pollen onto the court.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was trailing 7-5 4-1 when the umpire, Greg Allensworth, decided to send the players back to the locker room.
“It’s like it’s snowing out here and you still want us to keep playing,” Murray argued with the umpire before the decision was made.
The day’s play was subsequently cancelled, and Murray’s match has been rescheduled for Tuesday, not before 12:00 BST. Fellow Briton Jack Draper’s encounter against Czech Tomas Machac has also been moved to Tuesday.
This was Murray’s first ATP Tour-level match since rupturing ankle ligaments at the Miami Open in March. Unless he can mount a remarkable comeback against Hanfmann, the Scot will miss the chance to face world number one Novak Djokovic in the second round.
Last week, the 37-year-old Murray made his return at a clay-court ATP Challenger event in Bordeaux, but was eliminated in the second round by Frenchman Gregoire Barrere.
The three-time Grand Slam champion has previously hinted at his intention to retire soon, stating that he does not plan to “play much past this summer,” although he has not yet announced his final tournament.
Despite the setback, Murray remains on the entry list for the French Open, the second major of the season, which is set to commence on May 26.
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