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.
Mystery artist who erected signs comparing pothole
Fulton County officials say by law they don't control Fani Willis' spending in Trump case
Miami Marlins working on trade that would send 2B Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres
Filly Thorpedo Anna goes wire to wire to dominate soggy 150th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
Pat Beverley throws ball at Pacers fans, kicks reporter out of locker
Gambling bill to allow lottery and slots remains stalled in the Alabama Senate
New Seattle coach Mike Macdonald takes it all in during first day of Seahawks rookie minicamp
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
Campaigners back first memorial to UK journalists killed while working in conflict zone