Andy Murray news: Scot crashes out in Dubai after straight-set loss to Jannik Sinner
- Planet Sport writer
- 23 February 2022
The former world No.1 will have to wait for his 700th career win after failing to get past Italian youngster Jannik Sinner.
Murray started well in a tense first set, but failed to create any break points. The duo continued to hold their serves up until 5-5, when Sinner broke Murray and then held to win the opener 7-5.
The second set proved to be a lot easier for the 20-year-old, who broke Murray early on and carried his momentum to seal a 7-5 6-2 victory.
Sinner has enjoyed a stellar start to his career so far, with the Italian already climbing up to world No.10. But following the match's conclusion, he admitted to feeling some pre-game nerves.
"There were some nerves - I lost my last match against him. I tried to stay focused about my game and it worked.
"Thanks for the support as always. I think I played well, especially in the first set when it was tight in some moments."
Big win for Jannik
ā We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) February 23, 2022
Jannik Sinner gets past former World No.1 Andy Murray 7-5 6-2 to reach Dubai quarter-finals pic.twitter.com/f5CjigPseS
Sinner also took a moment to praise his opponent, describing Murray as a "legend".
"It is a special feeling (to share the court with Murray)," Sinner said in his on-court interview.
"He is a legend. Winning three Grand Slams, many, many tournaments and he has had some unfortunate moments with surgeries. His fighting spirit is incredible."
"He is a legend"
ā Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 23, 2022
Nothing but respect from @janniksin for @andy_murray š¤ pic.twitter.com/W1n0IADiUM
After progressing to the quarter-finals, Sinner resumes his Dubai Open campaign on Wednesday when he takes on the tournament's fifth-seed, Hubert Hurkacz.
As for Murray, the current world No.89's top priority will be finding a new permanent coach. After splitting with long-term mentor Jamie Delgado ahead of the 2022 season, a number of failed trail periods has left the 34-year-old without any trainer.
With the 'Sunshine Double' of Indian Wells and Miami fast approaching, Murray will ideally want to have at least a temporary coach sorted before tackling more tournaments.
