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Wednesday, 31 May 2006 |
Gael Monfils wins against an injured Andy Murray
Tennis star Andy Murray once again was defeated by an injury problem when he made a first-round exit against Gael Monfils on his senior debut at the French Open.
Andy Murray, 19, was leading by two sets to one, however, he was already coping with a lower back problem which severely spoiled his serve and movement.
Gael Monfils, also 19, won the final set in 23 minutes and completed a 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 1-6 6-2 6-1 victory.
Andy Murray also was hampered by problems at Wimbledon and the US Open last year.
"It just feels really tight," Andy Murray explained after the game.
"I couldn't serve. It doesn't help when you're serving about 50 or 60 mph."
The problems he was playing under didn't show when Andy Murray fought back with brilliance to level the score at one set all.
Then after a short delay due to rain, Gael Monfils reeled off five successive games to claim the opening set but Andy Murray grabbed his chance in the second to take a 4-2 lead.
Although Andy Murray couldn't hold on to his advantage there, he kept his nerve in the tiebreak and clinched it with an incredible backhand down the line.
However, a bizarre twist was in store when Andy Murray broke in the opening game of the third set and then immediately called for the trainer.
After lengthy treatment, he went back to the court but it was Gael Monfils who completely lost his command and made 18 unforced errors, and Andy Murray, meanwhile, managed to land only 57% of his first serves, with the speed falling to around 75mph.
At last, Gael Monfils took control again in the fourth set and once he had taken a 3-1 lead, it was clear he would be the winner.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 02 June 2006 )
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