Andy Murray loses to Illya Marchenko in Challenger Tour final

Number one seed Andy Murray went down in straight sets to Illya Marchenko in the final of the ATP Challenger Tour tournament in Biella.
The former world number one, who had to withdraw from the Australian Open after testing positive for coronavirus last month, lost 6-2 6-4 in less than 90 minutes.
Murray, a three-time grand slam winner who had eased his way through four rounds to make the final, was broken twice in the first set as world number 212 Marchenko raced into a 4-1 lead before closing out the first set 6-2.
Andy Murray finishes runner-up in Biella
Andy’s strong week ends in a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Illya Marchenko in the @ATPChallenger final #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/kVIDZEi0mt
— LTA (@the_LTA) February 14, 2021
The Ukrainian broke once again in the first game of the second set and while Murray managed to save two match points, there was no way back.
Murray, who is currently ranked 125th in the world, was targeting his first tournament win on the Challenger Tour since 2005, when he was just 18.
CHAMPION! 🏆
What a performance from @imarchello, upsetting Andy Murray 62 64 for the Biella title. The 🇺🇦 claims his eighth #ATPChallenger crown. pic.twitter.com/Uw1OnPpXpY
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 14, 2021
It was his first appearance in a final in almost 18 months as he continues to work his way back up the rankings following the hip surgery which saved his career.
Murray, who had not played a competitive match since October when he arrived in Italy, last won a title since the 2019 European Open.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray shows reals signs of promise despite defeat to Andrey Rublev
There were certainly encouraging signs for Murray, who came through the physical test against the big-hitting fourth seed.
-
News
Angry Andy Murray loses to world number eight Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
The three-time grand slam winner smashed his racket into the ground as he was beaten 7-5 6-2.
-
ATP Tour
ATP announces ‘Covid Protection Ranking’ amid ongoing restrictions
ATP announces new system and some tweaks to other systems.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Turning his back on play, brilliant winners, racket smashing from Daniil Medvedev as he loses
Daniil Medvedev entertains, even when he loses.
-
ATP Tour
‘I just don’t feel well here’ – Alexander Zverev’s Rotterdam woes continue as he bemoans early exit
Early exit for Alexander Zverev in Rotterdam.
-
Tennis Features
As football’s VAR struggles continue, tennis celebrates 15 years of Hawk-Eye’s electronic line calling system
Hawk-Eye in tennis, some like it, some don’t.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal vows he will continue to play tennis as long as he is ‘healthy and able to compete’
Rafael Nadal on retirement.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman says ‘mesmerising’ Roger Federer ‘won’t just make up the numbers’ upon his return
Tim Henman on Roger Federer’s comeback.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev expects ‘fun’ match against ‘true legend’ Andy Murray as Scot praises Russian’s work ethic
Andrey Rublev and Andy Murray sing each other’s praises.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas explains how change in mindset helped him to turn things around in Rotterdam opener
Stefanos Tsitsipas shows some fight in Rotterdam win.