Andy Murray’s 2023 starts with disappointment as Brit loses to Sebastian Korda in Adelaide | Tennis | Sport
Andy Murray suffered defeat in his opening match of the season as he crashed out in the first round of the Adelaide International. The Brit suffered his second career defeat to Sebastian Korda as the 22-year-old came through 7-6(3) 6-3 in an hour and 56 minutes.
Murray was facing Korda for the second time, having lost to the world No 33 in three sets at last year’s Gijon Open. With long-time on-and-off coach Ivan Lendl watching on in his box, the Brit made a strong start as he held with ease and was the first man to create two break point chances while leading 3-2.
It was the American who was able to break the Murray serve first, but the world No 49 immediately broke back to stay level with the 22-year-old at 4-4 and saved two break points later in the set before it went to a tiebreak. Korda earned the first mini-break to take a 3-1 lead after the longest rally of the match and quickly started to run away with it as he led 5-1 while Murray continued to show his frustration, chuntering towards his team.
The world No 33 finally closed it out 7-6(3) after an hour and 15 minutes while the three-time Major champion continued to complain in the direction of his box after coming out on the losing end of a closely-fought set. The second set followed a similar pattern to the first as both men continued to hold with ease before Korda suddenly pounced, taking a 4-2 lead.
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