Tennis entertainment shifts its focus from Cincinnati to the final ATP men’s event, ahead of the US Open. However, kicking off to a rather shocking start, the Winston-Salem Open 2021 made headlines, for all the wrong reasons. Fans lost all our calm as the hugely anticipated clash between Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray was called off. As a result, Andy faced lucky loser, Noah Rubin, in the round of 64 tie.

The first-round clash between Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray was the indefinite highlight of the tournament. However, just prior to the game, Nick withdrew from the tournament, citing injury concerns. Fans were surely disheartened, but the Aussies’ retirement would mean an entry for lucky loser Noah Rubin. This meant a clash was still on.

However, as his outing with the British star concluded, Noah was disgruntled, for reasons not known to many. Now, he took to his social media to share his disappointment over the same.

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Fair enough or acceptable?

A lucky loser is a player who fails to register a win in the qualifying round of a knockout tournament but makes it the main draw upon the withdrawal of another player due to injury, illness, or any other reason. Hence, it was Noah’s lucky day at the Winston-Salem Open. However, unlike this one, he wasn’t a fan of another rule associated with his clash.

As per the ATP Rulebook, Nick Kyrgios earns the round 1 prize money, despite his withdrawal; however, Rubin will only win the prize money for the qualifying final round, if he loses to Andy. Reflecting upon the same, Rubin took to his Twitter to share the news, saying, “Sucks, doesn’t it.”

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On the business end of things, Andy Murray beat Noah quite comfortably. He put on a show as he dominated the game and ousted out the American. The sight of the former World No. 1 back in action enthralled fans. As the scoreline read 2-6, 0-6 to the Englishman and he progressed further in the tournament.

Andy now prepares to face Frances Tiafoe in round 2 of the Winston-Salem Open.

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Andy Murray and his quest for a dream return

It’s been an injury-riddled couple of seasons for the former Olympic gold medalist. However, not frazzled by them, Andy made his way through rehab and fought hard for a comeback in the game, recovering from a career-threatening injury. He announced his return in emphatic fashion at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. However, ‘vintage Andy’ didn’t last long as he soon bowed out of the tournament, in a rather concerning sight.

Representing his home country at the Summer Olympic Games soon after, fans expected a repeat of history. Sadly, he failed to replicate his medal-winning performances from his previous two outings and returned home empty-handed.

Andy’s quest to mark a fairytale return will soon reach the courts of New York, as he gears up for the US Open. The odds are against the 34-year-old, but history is proof of his greatness and uncertainty. In yet another test of his character, does Andy Murray still have what it takes to win a Grand Slam?