Andy Murray progressed to the second round of an ATP Challenger event in Bordeaux after his opponent, Kyrian Jacquet, retired at the start of the second set. Murray was leading 7-5, 2-0 when Jacquet, the world number 219, decided he could not continue. The Briton, making his comeback from ruptured ankle ligaments suffered at the Miami Open in March, looked in control before the premature end to the match.
Despite the disappointment of an early finish, the crowd in Bordeaux showed their appreciation for Murray by treating him to a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ at the end of the match, celebrating his 37th birthday. Murray will face Gregoire Barrere in the next round after the Frenchman beat Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6, 6-2. The upcoming match against Barrere will be another test for Murray as he continues his return to form.
Murray opted not to have surgery on his ankle injury to reduce recovery time, aiming to compete in major events like the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Paris Olympics this summer. The three-time Grand Slam champion has indicated that he does not plan to “play much past this summer” but has yet to announce where his final tournament will be. His focus remains on making the most of his time on the court during this critical period of his career.
In other British tennis news, Dan Evans, the British number three and fifth seed in the tournament, also advanced to the next round. Evans secured his place by defeating France’s Hugo Grenier 6-4, 6-4. With both Murray and Evans moving forward, British tennis fans have much to look forward to as the Bordeaux Challenger progresses.
