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.
Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia's Kennesaw State University
Logan Webb goes 7 strong innings and Thairo Estrada homers twice as Giants rout Rays 11
NATO defence ministers discuss strengthening bloc's deterrence, support to Ukraine
Samuel Ersson blanks Devils to keep Flyers' slim playoff hopes alive in 1
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Tanzania to host East African petroleum conference 2025
Attacker shot dead after fatally stabbing Israeli soldier
Coyotes sale to Utah Jazz owner expected next week, Arizona to get expansion team, AP source says
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Texas blocks U.S. border patrol, Biden gov't asks Supreme Court to intervene