Andy Murray Dumps Out Hurkacz In Vienna Opener

Former world number one Andy Murray knocked out fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 in the opening round in Vienna on Monday.

Murray had lost twice to Wimbledon semi-finalist Hurkacz this year but broke his losing run against the Pole despite squandering a match point in the second set tie-break.

The three-time Grand Slam champion, whose ranking has dropped to 156 after a series of injuries, will meet teenage Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of a tournament he won in 2014 and 2016.

“It was a good match that could have gone either way,” said Murray. 

Defeat for Hurkacz ruined his hopes of reaching the season-ending ATP Finals. He presently occupies the final qualifying spot but could be overtaken this week by Antwerp champion Jannik Sinner.