Andy Murray’s first match of the grass-court season led to defeat by American Marcos Giron on the Stuttgart Open.
Showing within the 999th singles match of his profession, three-time Grand Slam champion Murray was overwhelmed 6-3 6-4 within the first spherical.
The 37-year-old is making ready for what seems set to be his ultimate Wimbledon, having beforehand mentioned he doesn’t plan on “enjoying a lot past the summer season”.
“I’ve had some powerful months, however bodily I really feel OK simply now – the ankle, the again. It is all felt higher since happening to grass,” mentioned Murray.
Towards Giron, the previous world primary twice saved break level in his first service recreation, earlier than lacking out on an early likelihood to interrupt himself.
World quantity 54 Giron quickly took benefit, breaking to go up 4-2 earlier than taking the opening set comfortably.
Murray rallied at first of the second set, holding to like within the first recreation earlier than going 40-15 up on his opponent’s serve.
However he didn’t convert his break factors, with Giron immediately getting a break of his personal that he didn’t relinquish.
“I have been battling breaking serve. I’ve not damaged for a couple of matches and that is normally been a energy of mine,” added Murray.
“On a fast floor like grass, the units are tight. When your probabilities come it’s important to be scientific – he was and I wasn’t.”
Giron, 30, will face one other Briton, sixth seed Jack Draper, within the second spherical on Wednesday.
Murray hopes to play on the Cinch Championships at Queen’s subsequent week as his preparations proceed for Wimbledon.
He can even staff up with brother Jamie within the males’s doubles on the All England Membership in what shall be their first Grand Slam look as a pair.
Earlier this month, Jamie Murray instructed BBC Sport it was “now or never” for the brothers to play collectively.
Wimbledon begins on 1 July.