Andy Murray advances in Bordeaux challenger on his return from ankle injury after Jacquet retires

Updated 16/05/2024 at 08:09 GMT

Andy Murray has played his first competitive match since suffering ankle ligament damage in Miami in March, advancing in the Primrose Bordeaux challenger against Kyrian Jacquet after the Frenchman was forced to retire injured himself in the second set. The victory tees Murray up for a potential last appearance at Roland-Garros.

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Andy Murray’s clay court season finally got up and running in the challenger event in Bordeaux, with the three-time Grand Slam champion advancing to the second round on his birthday no less, after his opponent retired hurt. Murray was leading Kyrian Jacquet 7-5 2-0 when the Frenchman called it quits.

Murray will play another Frenchman Gregoire Barrere in the next round, as he continues his preparations for Roland-Garros.

When Murray originally revealed the extent of his ankle injury after Miami in March, a diagnosis of ruptured ligaments looked set to keep him off the tour for the long-term. But after opting against surgery, the Scotsman has been able to make a swifter than anticipated return – albeit at challenger level.

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With this still set to be Murray’s last season on tour, he seems keen to play in Paris having often opted to miss the clay swing and instead focus on his preparation for the grass season. But with a last tilt at both the French Open and the Olympics also set to be on clay, the surface has taken on extra meaning this year – hence his appearance in Bordeaux as he seeks as much practice time on the dirt as possible.

Murray edged a tight first set, breaking to love late on and then serving it out with relative ease. He broke again straight away at the start of the second set and seemed to be in control when his opponent was forced to retire with what appeared to be a groin injury.

Murray has direct entry to Roland-Garros based on his world ranking of 77. His second round meeting with Barrere will be a first for both players, although it should be a tougher match for the Scot with Barrere ranked inside the top 50 not that long ago.

Fellow Brit Dan Evans also won in Bordeaux, beating Hugo Grenier in straight sets. He plays Harold Mayot in the next round.

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