Murray falters in Mallorca tune-up against Viola
By Joe Bailey for MurraysWorld.com on August 30, 2019, 09:04 pm
Andy Murray bowed out of the Rafa Nadal Open on Thursday night with a 6-3 4-6 6-7 (3-7) loss to Matteo Viola, the world number 240.
In the Balearics to gain more competitive singles exposure on his comeback from January's hip surgery, Murray looked in command with two breaks of the Viola serve in the first set.
Seemingly struck by fatigue and cramps, however, Murray found the going tougher in the second set as his Italian opponent jumped to a 3-0 lead immediately.
The final set at least went to a tie-break after Murray fought back from 0-2 down, but he coughed up a double-fault on Viola's second match point to exit the tournament in the third round.
This was a disappointing loss but one which highlights the work Murray will need to put in to regain the physique and fitness that once took him to the very top of the sport.
Following the match, Murray said:
Murray's attention will now turn to the main ATP Tour in China, where the Zhuhai Open begins on 23rd September.
In the Balearics to gain more competitive singles exposure on his comeback from January's hip surgery, Murray looked in command with two breaks of the Viola serve in the first set.
Seemingly struck by fatigue and cramps, however, Murray found the going tougher in the second set as his Italian opponent jumped to a 3-0 lead immediately.
The final set at least went to a tie-break after Murray fought back from 0-2 down, but he coughed up a double-fault on Viola's second match point to exit the tournament in the third round.
This was a disappointing loss but one which highlights the work Murray will need to put in to regain the physique and fitness that once took him to the very top of the sport.
Following the match, Murray said:
"I'm cramping, very tired. I enjoyed [being here], I would have liked to play more matches but it was good. I played two competitive matches. Physically, I need to get better."
Murray's attention will now turn to the main ATP Tour in China, where the Zhuhai Open begins on 23rd September.
add comment | 9 comments
Thanks for the report Joe.
August 31, 2019, 02:22 am
By Aileen
By Aileen
Thanks Joe and sorry he lost. That's a nice picture isn't it? 
August 31, 2019, 08:07 am
By moonglow
By moonglow
Thanks for the match report Joe.
August 31, 2019, 09:18 am
By ChrisMac
By ChrisMac
I see that Viola, who Andy lost to, has made the final in Mallorca. That is a great step forward for him as, I understand, he has been dropping down the rankings for a few years.
September 01, 2019, 08:42 am
By marathonarthur
By marathonarthur
Wasn’t sure where to post this ... So just heard Kim is pregnant with 3rd child .. very exciting .. congratulations to Andy and Kim
September 02, 2019, 10:42 am
By deb
By deb
^ That's so exciting you're always the first with "breaking news stories"
Maybe you should post it in the News Articles thread in the Andy Talk section?
More people might see it there??
Good luck Andy and Kim
Maybe you should post it in the News Articles thread in the Andy Talk section?
More people might see it there??
Good luck Andy and Kim
September 02, 2019, 11:05 am
By moonglow
By moonglow
Hi moonie
How do I do that ? Could you copy and paste it for me ?
I’ve done it I think ?? X
How do I do that ? Could you copy and paste it for me ?
I’ve done it I think ?? X
September 02, 2019, 11:57 am
By deb
By deb
^ Yes it's there! Well done
September 02, 2019, 04:41 pm
By moonglow
By moonglow
^ Yes it's there! Well done
Thank goodness moonie , I’m rubbish at it all 
September 02, 2019, 05:57 pm
By deb
By deb