Andy Murray made a first-round exit from the Brisbane Worldwide as Grigor Dimitrov got here from behind to win in three units.
Bulgarian second seed Dimitrov triumphed 4-6 7-5 6-2 to progress on the season-opening match.
The defeat is a setback for Murray’s preparations for the Australian Open, which begins on 14 January.
It comes after the Briton stated the 2024 season could possibly be his final on tour if he’s “not having fun with it”.
The 36-year-old struggled with a shoulder damage within the latter months of 2023, whereas sickness and a bruised knee made for what he described as a “difficult” pre-season in an interview with BBC Sport earlier than the Brisbane occasion.
Taking part in in his first aggressive singles match since October, Murray got here out on high of a good first set that went with the serve, sealing the opener on its solely break level after an error-strewn Dimitrov service sport.
Extra comfy holds for each gamers adopted, with Dimitrov ultimately edging forward within the ninth sport – the primary of the set to characteristic break-point alternatives.
Though Murray – a two-time champion in Brisbane – cancelled it out instantly, Dimitrov broke once more earlier than saving two break factors, together with one with a damaged string, on his strategy to sealing the second set.
Within the third, the world quantity 14 raced to a 4-0 lead, and whereas Scot Murray slowed Dimitrov’s tempo regardless of points together with his racquet, he couldn’t convert a break level at 5-2 from which his opponent held.
“I’ve actually missed this match,” stated 2017 champion Dimitrov, who will face German Daniel Altmaier or Australian qualifier Li Tu within the second spherical. “Right here we go, kicking off the brand new yr in type.
“I simply needed to hold [last season] on. After all it is by no means simple, particularly once you’re enjoying so nicely on the finish of the yr, you set strain on your self to begin nicely.
“As quickly as I got here out right here right now, I felt somewhat rusty to be sincere. I’ve to maintain on preventing, I’ve to maintain on believing within the work that I’ve put in.”
Earlier than the Australian Open, Murray will play the Kooyong Traditional exhibition in Melbourne subsequent week.
