Murray Suffers painful first-round exit at Australian Open


Andy Murray suffered arguably his most painful Grand Slam exit since his return from hip problems after a humbling straight-sets defeat to Tomas Etcheverry at the Australian Open on Monday.

The 36-year-old Scot laboured on Kia Arena as he suffered only his second opening-round defeat at the Grand Slam in 16 years.

Murray was outplayed and suffered a 6-4 6-2 6-2 loss in two hours and 23 minutes that was a far cry from his glory days.

His only other defeat in the first round here since 2008 came five years ago in an emotional five-setter against Roberto Bautista Agut after Murray had revealed the extent of his hip problems.

"An incredible match for me. It's tough to play with a legend like Andy. He's one of my idols. We played two times in the last year," said 30th seed Etcheverry.

"It was a long battle. I hope I can continue at this level in the next match.

"I just tried to play point by point and play my game. I want to keep going. I worked so hard and I need to improve other things."

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