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Andy Murray OUT of Queen’s as he falls to top seed Matteo Berrettini


Murray was beaten by Matteo Berrettini (Picture: AFP via Getty)

Andy Murray’s hopes of a sixth title at Queen’s were dashed on Thursday as he was well beaten by top seed Matteo Berrettini.

In truth, it felt it would be a serious ask for Murray to cause an upset – even on his favoured grass – against the Italian, who has now chalked up his 23rd win of the season.

Still, Murray – a five-time champion in these parts – can hold his head high after an encouraging performance, even if the 6-3 6-3 scoreline wasn’t particularly flattering.

He appeared light of foot and in no obvious signs of discomfort. Although he made some frustrating unforced errors, it’s understandable there is rust given this is just his second match since March.

Getting a read on the Berrettini serve was a tall order. The Italian world No. 9 bombed down several 140mph+ serves, many of which didn’t find their way back over the net.

Berrettini put in a commanding display (Picture: Getty)

The thumping Berrettini forehand has long been considered one of the ATP Tour’s biggest weapons and so it proved. Murray’s compatriot Dan Evans, the British No. 1, will be the next player to test himself against the 25-year-old.

With Rafael Nadal announcing earlier he would not compete at Wimbledon and few obvious contenders to challenge world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, Berrettini – who was a French Open quarter-finalist – could be someone to keep a close eye on in SW19.

Of course, there will be plenty of focus on Murray at the All England Club and on this evidence he will be an unwanted first-round opponent for whoever he lands against in the draw.

A deep run may seem unlikely but there are a lack of grass-court specialists operating in the upper echelons of the game at this present time, particularly with many of the Next Gen still finding their feet on the surface.

So a decent draw could allow Murray to make a decent fist of it but no doubt the British faithful will just be glad to welcome him back to singles action at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.

A backhand smash dumped into the net saw Murray face three break points. The first two were saved but he went long with a forehand on the third as Berrettini took control.

Murray was beaten in straight sets (Picture: Getty Images)

Two quickfire breaks – one at the end of the first and one at the start at the second – saw Berrettini steam into a commanding lead.

Speaking after the match, Berrettini said: ‘It was really hard. We all know who Andy is, he’s a great champion, a great player. He’s always there even in the last games so I’m really happy for my performance.

He added: ‘I can tell you how I played, I wouldn’t say what he done. He’s a great guy, great player. I know how tough it is to come back after an injury.

‘I wish him the best of luck. I think he played his best today, I played better and I’m just happy that he’s back.’

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