Australian Open 2024: Andy Murray knocked out in first round
What's the story
Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray has been knocked out of the 2024 Australian Open in the first round.
Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry handed Murray a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 defeat in two hours and 23 minutes. The 30th seed will next lock horns with Frenchman Gael Monfils.
Interestingly, Murray was expected to face defending champion Novak Djokovic in the third round.
Stats
A look at the match stats
Etcheverry won a total of 95 points and 38 winners in the match. He struck 11 aces compared to Murray's six.
The former had a win percentage of 75 and 61 in the first and second serves, respectively. He converted six of his 14 break points.
Murray (37) had more unforced errors than the Argentine (19). He also recorded two double-faults.
Retirement
Will Murray retire this season?
After the match, an emotional Murray hinted at retirement from the sport.
He bid a potential farewell to Melbourne, stating, "Yeah, it's a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here. And yeah, I think probably because of how the match went and everything."
Earlier this month, Murray said he would likely retire this season if he is "not enjoying tennis".
Aus Open
Another exit from Australian Open
For the third consecutive season, Murray failed to go past the third round at the Australian Open.
In 2023, he claimed two five-set wins in his opening two matches before losing to Roberto Bautista Agut.
Murray last crossed the fourth round in 2016 when he reached the final.
The Scot now has a win-loss record of 51-16 at the Australian Open.
Injuries
Murray lost to Dimitrov in Brisbane
Murray hasn't been at his best since reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2017. Successive injuries and inconsistency have plagued his career.
He bounced back in 2023 by winning three Challenger events - Aix-en-Provence, Surbiton, and Nottingham.
By winning in Surbiton, Murray became the oldest grass-court champion in ATP Challenger Tour history.
Earlier this year, he lost to Grigor Dimitrov in Brisbane.
Titles
Murray, the owner of 46 singles titles
Murray has a career record of 733-251. He has clinched a record 46 singles titles, including 14 at Masters 1000 events and two gold Olympic gold medals.
After winning the US Open in 2012, Murray won Wimbledon the following year. He won the last of his three majors in 2016 by winning Wimbledon.
Murray held the top spot (ATP Rankings) for 41 weeks.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Who is Tomas Martin Etcheverry?
Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who handed Murray a first-round exit at the Australian Open, occupies the 32nd spot in the ATP Rankings.
He claimed his first Grand Slam main-draw win at the 2023 Australian Open by defeating Gregoire Barrere.
Etcheverry has a singles ATP record of 35-45. He has also won three ATP Challenger titles as of now.