Andy Murray v Ugo Humbert LIVE: Dubai tennis result and latest reaction
Murray was beaten 6-2 6-4 by the in-form Humbert after dropping his latest hint about his future
Andy Murray is out of the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships after falling to a straight-sets defeat to Ugo Humbert in the second-round.
Murray was aiming to win back-to-back matches for the first time this season following his opening victory over Denis Shapovalov, but the in-form Humbert was in complete control of the contest as the Frenchman sealed a 6-2 6-4 win in 89 minutes.
Humbert, who is at a career-best ranking of 18, barely allowed Murray to win a point against serve, and the 36-year-old grew increasingly frustrated as he struggled to make any inroads on the returns.
Speculation has been rife over Murray’s future in the sport this season, with the three-time grand slam champion speaking openly in public about his retirement plans.
Murray hinted on Monday that he is entering the “last few months” of his career but the former World No 1 later told the Today Programme that he is aiming to compete at the Paris Olympics this summer.
Follow all the action from ATP Dubai below:
Andy Murray 2-6, 3-4 Ugo Humbert*
A rare positive game for Andy Murray, the highlight a delightful little clip over the net that befuddles his opponent with Ugo Humbert anticipating a sweeping shot cross-court.
Andy Murray* 2-6, 2-4 Ugo Humbert
Just out! So nearly a miraculous winner from Andy Murray at 30-all, beating Humbert to the Frenchman’s left but missing the white line by a matter of millimetres. And another game slips by with the Scot increasingly frustrated at himself...
Andy Murray 2-6, 2-3 Ugo Humbert*
There’s a bit of life in Murray yet, slumping into his chair at the change of ends after a reasonably hard-fought hold. We’ve seen him battle back from this sort of situation before - but Ugo Humbert looks too dialled in to let this slip.
Andy Murray* 2-6, 1-3 Ugo Humbert
And onwards Humbert marches, playing proactively with his left-handed angle causing problems for Murray on serve. The Scot somewhat impetuously swats a forehand return long.
Just three points won on return today for the 36-year-old.
Andy Murray 2-6, 1-2 Ugo Humbert*
Ugo Humbert breaks again! Andy Murray mutters furiously at himself and sinks his hands to his knees, his forehand clunky and Humbert simply superb so far.
Andy Murray* 2-6, 1-1 Ugo Humbert
The Scot just can’t quite put himself in positive positions in the rally often enough. Twice in Humbert’s service game he manages to push the Frenchman back, but they are the only point he earns with the leftie’s forthright forehand working so consistently to dominate the flow.
Andy Murray 2-6, 1-0 Ugo Humbert*
Just as in the first set, Andy Murray holds in his first service game.
Andy Murray reveals Paris Olympics hopes amid retirement hints
Andy Murray has revealed he wants to play at another Olympic Games before he retires.
The 36-year-old hinted on Monday that he is entering the “last few months” of his career.
Murray is the only men’s player to win two Olympic singles gold medals, following success in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016, and he wants to play in Paris this summer.
“Hopefully I can get the chance to compete at another one,” Murray told the Today Programme.
Andy Murray reveals Paris Olympics hopes amid retirement hints
The 36-year-old has been speaking openly about his retirement from tennis
Ugo Humbert takes first set 6-2 against Andy Murray
The set is Ugo Humbert’s soon enough, though. Impressive from the Frenchman, whose power and court manipulation has been too hot for Andy Murray to handle so far, losing just a single point on serve.
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