[Aileen]

Carreno Busta has with drawn so Andy plays lucky loser, 33 year old world No. 109 Radu Albot instead.


The No. 15 seed, 31 year old Pablo Carreño Busta, who has a career high ranking of No. 10 achieved in September 2017, has won seven singles titles, including a Masters 1000 title at the 2022 Canadian Open, and four doubles titles on the ATP Tour.  He also won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeating Djokovic and Medvedev en route, and was a member of the Spanish team that won the 2019 Davis Cup.

He hasn't enjoyed the best of seasons so far, starting the year with a three-set defeat to Soon-woo Kwon in the first round of the Adelaide International 2.  He made a winning start at the Australian Open by ousting Pedro Cachin, but lost to Benjamin Bonzi in the second round in five sets, two of them going to a tiebreak.  He then competed at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam where in the opening round he claimed the first set against Richard Gasquet 6-2, but went on to lose the match 6-7(2-7), 2-6.

[ChrisMac]

Thanks Aileen

[Aileen]

Does anyone know why the match has been cancelled?

Carreno Busta withdrew, so Andy plays lucky loser Radu Albot instead.   Could the tennis gods finally be smiling on him a little?

Albot is aged 33 and is ranked No. 109.  They haven't played each other before.

[counter_ puncher]

Could this be the lucky chance of an efficient win?

[Aileen]

I thought Lucky Losers only got into the first round? Would have expected Murray to receive a bye instead?

If the gods are smiling on Andy - it’s about time!  I too thought lucky losers only played in the first round.  It makes sense for the tournament and spectators not to lose out on a night match.

For some unknown reason Albot got a bye in round 1.

[Aileen]

lucky losers inherit the bye of the player they replace.

Thanks TD.

[marathonarthur]

Albot is no walkover. 

I am keen to see yet another GB dual after the Draper v Evans match so I am hoping that Andy wins for that reason alone. That I want Andy to win three matches in a good tournament again is the other wish. It all helps with confidence which is what I think needs bolstering most.
I ran today, after struggling for quite a while, saying to myself that everything takes time to get back 'in the groove' as Andy has found but it will come back eventually. A PB for this year for a 5Km Parkrun! Andy returning to a high standard is the inspiration to give me hope.

Andy, you must be so positive here and play to win easily. No Mercy as that might allow your opponent into the game.

[marathonarthur]

^ Aileen, I can remember watching Albot when he was ranked higher - hence my comment. Likewise that Andy sometimes is too soft on lesser able players (I think so he enjoys the game?)