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.
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
Solar panel plant coming to eastern North Carolina with 900 jobs
South Dakota governor, a potential Trump running mate, writes in new book about killing her dog
Shota Imanaga continues impressive MLB start, raising record to 4
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
Casey DeSmith makes 30 saves as the Canucks take 2
Tech billionaire Ankur Jain and his fitness trainer fiancée kick off jaw
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
NFL to allow players to wear protective soft
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
Florida center Micah Handlogten to sit out next season while recovering from a broken left leg