The first of the four British players featuring in the Australian Open’s men’s main draw, was in action on day two of the season’s first grand slam but unfortunately his stay was limited to just the opening round.
It’s very tough to play against a legend like Andy, he’s one of my idols. We played twice last year, a long battle like this, but today, I played incredibly Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Andy Murray, who made his first appearance in Melbourne in 2006 and in the interim, reached five finals, suffered a disappointing result on this occasion, losing 6-4 6-2 6-2 to Tomas Martin Etcheverry, the 30th seed from Argentina.
For the 36-year-old Scot, ranked 44 in the world at the start of the event, this was the first time since 2019 that he has lost the opening match in Melbourne, and, at the time, led to speculation on his imminent retirement which h didn’t deny.
That didn’t happen. He knuckled down and told the world he believed he still had it in him to compete with the best, despite his metal hip.
At the start of this season, Murray was very upbeat and hoping to make some inroads into the daw, remembering that last year, he came through a series of tight and lengthy matches before exiting in the third round.
He also intimated that 2024 could well be his last year on tour and that would be decided on his performances.
This loss continues a disappointing start to the season for him as he has yet to win a tour match and made 37 unforced errors in the 2-hour, 23-minute encounter with the Argentine.
In contrast the 24-year-old Etcheverry struck 38 winners (to Murray’s 21) and made only 19 unforced errors as he controlled the match with a mix of drop shots and lobs which demoralised his opponent.
There was always hope. Murray is well known for making recoveries and winning matches from two sets down and while the first set saw the pair tussle for superiority, it was Etcheverry who looked the stronger and it wasn’t surprising to see him claim that opener.
The former world No.1 soon found himself a set and a break down and could be seen to be struggling to find an answer to his opponent’s game and in the third, he was also seen to be holding his hip and thigh as he developed a limp.
Frustrated no doubt by his inability to live up to his hopes he was broken twice as Etcheverry romped past the finish line to match his best 2nd round appearance at Melbourne,
“It was an incredible match for me,” Etcheverry said in his on court interview.
“It’s very tough to play against a legend like Andy, he’s one of my idols. We played twice last year, a long battle like this, but today, I played incredibly. I hope that I can continue with this level in the next match.”
Murray will no doubt need time to decide his next move.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry celebrates his win
(Photo by Will Murray/Getty Images)
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