Andy Murray vs Holger Rune LIVE: Result and reaction from pre-Wimbledon exhibition
Murray will now head to Wimbledon after Rune won 6-4 6-4 at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham
Andy Murray was beaten in his final match before Wimbledon as Holger Rune won 6-4 6-4 in their exhibition match at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham. Murray was unable to use his superior experience on grass to his advantage as the 20-year-old Dane broke late in the first set and early in the second on his way to victory.
The 36-year-old Murray will now head to Wimbledon on the back of a mixed grass-court campaign that has brought titles at Challenger events at Surbiton and Nottingham, but has been followed by two defeats in a row following his first-round exit at Queen’s to Alex de Minuar and this loss to the world No 6 Rune at Hurlingham Club.
It will be a reminder of the challenge that awaits Murray in SW19, with the two-time Wimbledon champion set to be unseeded and at the mercy of Friday’s draw. Follow live scores and updates as Andy Murray faces Holger Rune ahead of Wimbledon
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
This will be a useful encounter for Rune, having to try and work out a wily grass court veteran. Neither player will quite be at full tilt, you’d imagine, given the rather more important business come five miles to the south next week, but each could do with a solid showing to just bolster the confidence a little more after encouraging summer seasons so far.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
Coco Gauff has tied up the first set against Jodie Burrage and is on her way to the second, too, breaking early to take a 2-0 lead and beginning to canter towards the quarter finals in Eastbourne.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
At Hurlingham, things are running a little behind schedule, with no sign yet of either player, though there are a few staff out on court beginning to ready themselves.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
First though, a Giorgio Armani sponsored event requires some very pretty people to wander about in expensive clothing - long backs, even strides, perfect posture.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
And still we wait. Such is life in exhibition tennis at a private members’ club in west London.
It’s all over in Eastbourne, though - simple enough for Coco Gauff against Jodie Burrage, who couldn’t contend with the American’s class. Gauff is through to the quarter-finals. and a potential meeting with Jessica Pegula.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
The models simply do not stop coming. After each of them has completed a first lap of the court, out they all come together, phased in gradual colour variation. The crowd seem a trifle bemused with the match start pushed back even further.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
Right, the models have disappeared back to the racks, replaced by the ball children, who saunter to their spots. They are followed by the line judges, waddling into position as a couple more tournament sponsors are thanked.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
The line judges rather lacked the smooth gaits of the models, if you were wondering. It must be hard on the legs, standing stooped for so long.
The ball children practice a few rolls, knee down, arm straight - smooth enough.
The clouds have just cleared a little, by the looks of things. It’s reasonably sticky though, with the humidity high.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
Andy Murray gets a few polite whoops as he follows Holger Rune out, Head in hand. Rune rummages around in his bag for his Babolat.
Andy Murray vs Holger Rune
The two players get the joints moving with a gentle knock up. Half-an-hour after the scheduled start time, it would appear action is imminent.
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