Murray slips in Washington

Andy Murray has started his American Hardcourt season on a miserable note, with his defeat in the opening round of Citi Open. The top seed lost his match 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (4) to 53rd-ranked Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia on Wednesday.

Murray was appearing for the first time here in nearly a decade. The Scot looked scrappy throughout the match and was unable to close it out while serving at 5-4 in the third. He is the first top seed man to lose his opener, since his former coach Ivan Lendl in 1993.

”Obviously, disappointed not to close it out in the third set when I had a chance to do that,” said Murray.

Gabashvili has never won a tour title and had a 9-13 record this year. Murray led 4-3 in the tiebreak, but squandered the lead after losing four consecutive points.

The 2012 US Open Champion said that although he is disappointed- ”but it’s not like I got blown off the court.” Murray’s serve failed him again, not being able to get him out of trouble on various occasions.

Gabashvili constantly troubled the World No. 3 with some great defense and competitive shot making in the rallies.

”When you win 7-6 in the third against Andy Murray, it’s something special,” said the Russian.

Murray will now have to tune up his game at Cincinnati, before he begins his quest for a third major and second Open in New York.