Murray rues missed opportunities after losing to Sinner, joins debate

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Former World No.1 Andy Murray crashed out of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after suffering a straight-sets defeat to fourth seed Jannik Sinner on Wednesday.

The 2017 Dubai winner, who was bidding for his 700th career victory, was unable to create a single breakpoint chance throughout his second-round contest against the fourth seed and fell to a 7-5 6-2 loss.

The Brit has been unable to go beyond the second round at his past four tournaments, dating back to the Australian Open in January.

He was left feeling frustrated at several missed opportunities in his defeat to the World No.10.

“Frustration obviously. I don’t think I played well today,” said Murray. “Had some opportunities at the end of the first set but missed three of the next four returns. My average level was just not really there today.”

Murray terms Zverev action as dangerous and reckless: Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has been kicked out of Acapulco tournament and faces a hefty punishment after repeatedly smashing an umpire's chair with his racket following a doubles match late on Tuesday.

Murray described Zverev's racquet-smashing spree as ‘dangerous’ and ‘reckless’.

Zverev went on a tirade against the umpire over a disputed call during his doubles opener alongside Marcelo Melo, verbally abusing the official and repeatedly hitting the umpire's chair with his racquet at the end of the match.

The ATP tour announced that Zverev had been "withdrawn" from the tournament "due to unsportsmanlike conduct" and the world No.3 will not be able to defend his singles title in Acapulco.

"Look, it was not good. It was dangerous, reckless," former world No.1 Murray said in his post-match conference.

"I obviously understand lots of players, athletes across lots of sports, can get very frustrated. Certainly me, myself, I've not always acted in the way I would want on the tennis court. I'm certainly not claiming to be an angel. I'm not perfect myself," added the Scot, who received a code violation for racquet abuse during his second round against Sinner.

"However, when you're ripping your tennis racquet right next to the umpire multiple times, yeah, you can't be doing that."

Murray also added that Zverev's actions could have hurt others on court, including his opponents, the doubles pair Lloyd Glasspool of Britain and Harri Heliovaara of Finland.

"I know obviously one of the British guys who was playing, as well, a bit dangerous. It's graphite flying off the racquet, as well. Yeah, was not good," said Murray, who failed to reach a milestone in his match.