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As it happenedended

Andy Murray vs Holger Rune LIVE: Result and reaction from pre-Wimbledon exhibition

Murray will now head to Wimbledon after Rune won 6-4 6-4 at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham

Harry Latham-Coyle
Friday 30 June 2023 06:24 EDT
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Andy Murray addresses retirement rumours ahead of his 15th Wimbledon

Andy Murray was beaten in his final match before Wimbledon as Holger Rune won 6-4 6-4 in their exhibition match at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham. Murray was unable to use his superior experience on grass to his advantage as the 20-year-old Dane broke late in the first set and early in the second on his way to victory.

The 36-year-old Murray will now head to Wimbledon on the back of a mixed grass-court campaign that has brought titles at Challenger events at Surbiton and Nottingham, but has been followed by two defeats in a row following his first-round exit at Queen’s to Alex de Minuar and this loss to the world No 6 Rune at Hurlingham Club.

It will be a reminder of the challenge that awaits Murray in SW19, with the two-time Wimbledon champion set to be unseeded and at the mercy of Friday’s draw. Follow live scores and updates as Andy Murray faces Holger Rune ahead of Wimbledon

Andy Murray 4-6, 4-6 Holger Rune

A serve drags Andy Murray wide, with his clawed forehand failing to clear the net. Now up the centre...same result, 30-0 without Holger Rune having to rally.

Staring defeat in the face, Murray lifts the MPH on his forehand side, forcing two low skews from the Dane that burrow up the centre.

What a lob! That’s magnificent from Rune, earning match point by digging out a remarkable winner as Murray had looked ready to finish things at the net.

And that’s that - Murray can’t clear his opponent with his own lofted shot, and an overhead smash seals a straight sets victory.

(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2023 16:43

Andy Murray 4-6, 4-6 Holger Rune

“It was great, a lot of fun,” Holger Rune says of his victory. “In the week before a grand slam, it is good to do these kind of matches. Big credit to [Andy Murray] - it is always difficult playing him. Today was a fun match. We both fought to the end.

“It’s going to be good fun at Wimbledon. It is a big confidence boost to be sixth seed. I’ve had good grass court preparation so hopefully I can do my best.”

Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2023 16:45

Andy Murray reacts to 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Holger Rune

“He’s a top player. It’s great to play these matches a few days out from Wimbledon against one of the top players in the world. It keeps you very sharp. Obviously, I’d have liked to have done a bit better today but there was some good stuff in there. Hopefully I can build on that.

[On the pressure of being Andy Murray entering Wimbledon week]: “Nowadays it is alright. Ten years ago it was a little bit different, more expectation, more pressure. The last few weeks haven’t been too bad. I get to spend a lot of time at home with my family so it’s quite easy to switch off.

[On some encouraging performances and two titles already during this grass court swing] “It’s the first time in about 12 months that I played that many matches in a short period of time. Beyond the matches, my body held up pretty well.”

(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2023 16:49

Andy Murray beaten by Holger Rune in pre-Wimbledon exhibition

A useful hit out for both men ahead of the more serious stuff to come next week. Holger Rune continues to build his confidence on grass - he’s working out how best to manufacture winning positions in points, and looked tidy enough without being at full tilt today.

As for Andy Murray, the legs still look good. He’d like a kind first round draw to ease into Wimbledon week, though - and here’s a reminder of when we’ll find out the bracket...

When is the Wimbledon draw and what are the seeds?

Everything you need to know ahead of the Wimbledon main draw at the All England Club

Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2023 16:56

Andy Murray beaten in straight sets by Holger Rune in final Wimbledon tune-up

Andy Murray’s final warm-up for Wimbledon ended in a straight sets defeat to world number six Holger Rune at the Hurlingham Club.

The two-time Wimbledon champion, who opted for some extra match play following his first-round exit at Queen’s Club last week, was beaten 6-4 6-4 at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic.

Murray moved well on court against his 20-year-old opponent but could not capitalise on his chances, notably four break points in the sixth game of a tight opening set.

A double fault from the 36-year-old gifted Rune the first break of the contest and he was ultimately unable to battle back after dropping serve in the first game of the second.

Murray had won 10 successive matches in claiming back-to-back grass-court titles in Surbiton and Nottingham before suffering an early exit at Queen’s at the hands of Alex De Minaur.

Andy Murray beaten in straight sets by Holger Rune in final Wimbledon tune-up

Murray lost 6-4 6-4 to the world number six at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic.

Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2023 17:30

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