Murray won’t play US Open singles

The Scot went down 4-6, 4-6 to Richard Gasquet (France) in his first singles match since January. Later, he revealed he had turned down a wild card into the men’s draw at the year’s final Grand Slam. “I am not going to play US Open singles,” said the 32-year-old. “I didn’t feel I was able to make that decision before this match.”

He indicated that he would play doubles and mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows in two weeks. “I’ll probably look at just playing doubles and mixed doubles. That’s what I will do at the US Open.” In his first match since the hip resurfacing surgery which he hopes will prolong his career, Murray started tentatively but improved as the match went on.

The former World No.1 arrived on centre court to huge cheers, recording a video of the moment as he offered a big smile. But the first serve was far from what Murray and the crowd wanted. A two-time winner of the tournament, Murray double-faulted and Frenchman Gasquet, who returned himself in May from groin problems, was quickly2-0 up.

Murray then seemed to find himself. The Briton, moving better, won three consecutive games, including a break of serve, to go ahead 3-2. But Gasquet, 33, clinched the next three games to move 5-3 ahead and took the opener. Murray played much better in the second set and had a break point to get back on serve at 2-2. But Gasquet never let go of his early break and eventuallywent up 4-2.