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.
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Xander Schauffele wins first major at PGA Championship in a thriller at Valhalla
Investigation: Inmates at Virginia prison for mentally ill hospitalized 13 times for hypothermia
Jacoby Brissett is embracing role of mentor during his 2nd stint with the Patriots
Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
Jurgen Klopp signs off with a win in emotionally charged final match as Liverpool manager
Man United finishes outside the European spots despite winning last game in Premier League
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
Kyle Larson arrives at North Wilkesboro for NASCAR All
College baseball notebook: Conference tournaments to decide NCAA automatic bids and many at
Pacers score 39 points in first quarter vs. Knicks to set a Game 7 record