Andy Murray vs Marcos Giron LIVE: Latest updates from Stuttgart Open as Wimbledon preparation begins
Murray is back on court after early exits in the singles and doubles at the French Open
Andy Murray begins his grass court season at the Stuttgart Open as he kicks off his grass court season with an eye on performing strongly at Wimbledon.
Murray’s Wimbledon preparation could also be the start of a farewell as he has previously hinted at a possible retirement this summer meaning this could be his final season as a professional.
Today’s match is against Marcos Giron who will be a tough opponent for the 37-year-old with the American having climbed into the world’s top 50 this year.
Elsewhere, Emma Raducanu will be in action at the Nottingham Open. Raducanu missed the French Open to focus on her fitness ahead of the grass court season. She takes on Ena Shibahara as she continues her comeback following wrist and ankle operations last year.
Follow all the live action from Stuttgart and Nottingham in the blog below:
Andy Murray’s preparations for expected final Wimbledon hit by Stuttgart Open exit
Andy Murray’s preparations for what is expected to be his final Wimbledon got off to an inauspicious start as he lost in the first round of the Stuttgart Open.
The two-time SW19 champion headed to Germany to get some match practice ahead of his home grand slam which begins next month, but he went down 6-3 6-4 to Marcos Giron.
It was the opposite of what Murray was hoping for and we could be entering the final weeks of the 37-year-old’s stellar career after he hinted at retirement this summer.
Andy Murray’s preparations for expected final Wimbledon hit by Stuttgart Open exit
Murray went down 6-3 6-4 to Marcos Giron.
Emma Raducanu fumes over line calls despite victory in Nottingham Open first round
Emma Raducanu said she was on the end of some “insane” line calls which left her feeling like it was “two v one” in her first-round victory at the Nottingham Open.
Less than 24 hours after British compatriot Harriet Dart described the standard of line-calling as “pretty appalling” in her defeat to Katie Boulter, where she offered to bet the chair umpire £50,000 she was wrong about a call, Raducanu was on the wrong end of some questionable decisions.
But she did not let it affect her and began her latest career reboot with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 over Japanese Ena Shibahara.
Emma Raducanu fumes over line calls despite victory in Nottingham Open first round
Raducanu was on the wrong end of some questionable decisions.
Andy Murray beaten 3-6 4-6 in straight sets by Marcos Giron
More from Giron: “I had to enjoy the experience. It would have been easy to not look at it as half glass full so I was excited to try and get a lesson from him [Murray].
“He’s won so many big tournaments, the Olympics, Wimbledon a couple of times. I was looking at his record, he’s won 700 and something matches, it’s unreal what he’s done in his career.
“For me to be able to play him on the grass was really cool. I pumped to get the win here, on tour it’s really tough, every player is so damn good and the margins are really small.
“I like playing on grass, it’s fun.”
Andy Murray beaten 3-6 4-6 in straight sets by Marcos Giron
Here’s a bit of reaction from Marcos Giron: “For me, I grew up watching Andy and it’s truly an honour to be on court with him. To beat him I’m truly grateful, I’m sure he hears that enough and would have loved to beat me but I’m really happy with the win.
“Thank you everybody for coming out, it’s really fun and more meaningful to be able to play here with you guys.”
Andy Murray beaten 3-6 4-6 in straight sets by Marcos Giron
Marcos Giron will now face another Brit, in Jack Draper, during the second round of the Stuttgart Open and Andy Murray will have to wait to play his 1000th match.
Are we seeing the end of Murray’s professional career? That was a tough one to watch.
Andy Murray beaten 3-6 4-6 in straight sets by Marcos Giron
That’s got to be a hurtful defeat for Andy Murray. He’ll be back at Queen’s next week where he will play his 1000th professional match.
That’ll be the last tournament for Murray before Wimbledon.
Andy Murray 3-6 4-6 Marcos Giron
The crowd gets involved to encourage Andy Murray as Marcos Giron takes a 30-0 lead. Murray can’t respond as the American drives a forehand to the back corner to set up three match points.
He only needs one!
Murray is beaten in straight sets. That is the first time Giron has beaten a former world number one.
Andy Murray 3-6 4-5 Marcos Giron*
Murray’s under pressure again. Giron takes the game to 30-30 but the Scot sends a serve down the middle and watches as his opponent smokes a backhand over the back of court.
Murray then secure his own hold with a blazing winner. Giron will now serve to win this match.
*Andy Murray 3-6 3-5 Marcos Giron
At 15-15, Giron misses out on his first serve meaning Murray steps into court. He whips at a backhand and drills yet another shot into the net. He’s just not been on form today.
That’s wonderful! Giron latches onto a ball that bounces at his feet. He swings low and rolls his wrists over the ball, getting it over the net with enough power to pass Murray and secure him the point!
The American is then gifted the game as Murray errors. He’s now one away from winning the match.
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