Andy Murray drops one set exhibition match in Abu Dhabi
By Harry Floyd
Andy Murray steps in for Novak Djokovic in Abu Dhabi. The former world No. 1, however, drops his one-set match against Roberto Bautista Agut.
Andy Murray drops his one-set match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
The Briton decided to replace the injured Novak Djokovic at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. Murray, however, falls to Roberto Bautista Agut. The Spanish tennis star takes their meeting with ease, winning 6-2.
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Murray has not played since Wimbledon last year. His return to the ATP World Tour is something that fans and players alike are keeping a close eye on.
Several top players in men’s singles are returning from injury.
The former world No. 1 appears to not quite be ready for his return to the tour. Djokovic, who withdrew from play in Abu Dhabi, said that he was not ready to compete at a high level. Both he and Murray, however, remain hopeful heading into action at the 2018 Australian Open.
Play at Melbourne Park is right around the corner. If Murray is not healthy enough to compete at the top level, players such as Roger Federer, Grigor Dimitrov, or Alexander Zverev must be considered favorites to win the upcoming Grand Slam. Djokovic, who is a six-time champion at Melbourne Park, has delayed his return to the courts. Despite the loss in Abu Dhabi, Murray immediately left for Australia where he is scheduled to compete in the Brisbane International.
Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis
The upcoming week will be critical for Andy Murray. As the Australian Open is less than one month away, he must prove that he is able to compete at Brisbane. Several top players are warming up for the first Grand Slam of the calendar year by playing in Brisbane. While the result in Abu Dhabi is not ideal for Murray, he remained optimistic after the match. It is clear that the Briton is eager to be back on the ATP World Tour. Time will tell, however, whether or not he is ready to make a run toward the top of the men’s singles rankings yet again. Stay tuned to see how Murray’s play develops over the next week. Check back for updates on his return to the ATP World Tour and to see how all of the action in Brisbane and at Melbourne Park goes down.