Andy Murray v Ugo Humbert LIVE: Dubai tennis result and latest reaction
Murray was beaten 6-2 6-4 by the in-form Humbert after dropping his latest hint about his future
Andy Murray is out of the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships after falling to a straight-sets defeat to Ugo Humbert in the second-round.
Murray was aiming to win back-to-back matches for the first time this season following his opening victory over Denis Shapovalov, but the in-form Humbert was in complete control of the contest as the Frenchman sealed a 6-2 6-4 win in 89 minutes.
Humbert, who is at a career-best ranking of 18, barely allowed Murray to win a point against serve, and the 36-year-old grew increasingly frustrated as he struggled to make any inroads on the returns.
Speculation has been rife over Murray’s future in the sport this season, with the three-time grand slam champion speaking openly in public about his retirement plans.
Murray hinted on Monday that he is entering the “last few months” of his career but the former World No 1 later told the Today Programme that he is aiming to compete at the Paris Olympics this summer.
Follow all the action from ATP Dubai below:
Andy Murray ‘unlikely to play past summer’ as tennis retirement nears
Andy Murray has said it is “likely” he will retire from tennis after this summer’s Olympic Games, with this year’s Wimbledon Championships set to be his last.
The 36-year-old was beaten in the second round of the Dubai International on Wednesday and said afterwards that he is “bored” of answering questions about his future.
Murray earlier told the Today Programme that he wants to play another Olympic Games before he retires, after suggesting on Monday that he was entering the “last few months” of his career.
Andy Murray ‘unlikely to play past summer’ as tennis retirement nears
Murray says he wants to play at the Olympics, but is ‘likely’ to stop after the summer
The end for Andy Murray has never felt closer
And so the speculation spikes again with Andy Murray’s last match seemingly drawing closer and closer.. After his Australian Open first round defeat in January, Jamie Braidwood explained why the end feels near.
The end for Andy Murray has never felt closer
The 36-year-old admitted he could have played at the Australian Open for the last time after a demoralising straight-sets defeat to Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Andy Murray confirms intention to play at Roland Garros
And Murray has expanded on those comments in his post-match press conference in Dubai, suggesting that he is unlikely to play beyond this summer but is hoping to compete at the French Open, which begins on 20 May this year.
"I'm likely not going to play past this summer. I get asked about it after every single match that I play, every single tournament that I play. I'm bored of the question, to be honest."
Andy Murray reveals Paris Olympics hopes amid retirement hints
Andy Murray has revealed he wants to play at another Olympic Games before he retires.
The 36-year-old hinted on Monday that he is entering the “last few months” of his career.
Murray is the only men’s player to win two Olympic singles gold medals, following success in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016, and he wants to play in Paris this summer.
“Hopefully I can get the chance to compete at another one,” Murray told the Today Programme.
Andy Murray reveals Paris Olympics hopes amid retirement hints
The 36-year-old has been speaking openly about his retirement from tennis
Ugo Humbert beats Andy Murray in straight sets
It’ll be Hubert Hukacz or Christopher O’Connell next for Ugo Humbert - the third seed is a big favourite and Hurkacz/Humbert would be a tasty little last eight tie.
That match follows Daniil Medvedev, the top seed, on centre court tonight. Lorenzo Sonego is the Russian’s opponent.
Ugo Humbert reacts to beating Andy Murray
“It was a great match for me,” Humbert says. “I played really great tennis. It’s never easy to play against him but it’s a nice performance for me.
“It’s always nice to win a title. I’m happy, I’m playing well. I enjoyed it. It gives me a lot of confidence, and I’m trying to play with that confidence on court. I was really calm today and knew exactly what I had to.”
Andy Murray beaten by Ugo Humbert in straight sets
“Good luck,” Andy Murray tells Ugo Humbert at the net, the Scot frustrated with his inability to put his best performance on the court but decisively beaten by the better player. Humbert’s level today was outstanding - and on this sort of form, he looks a real contender this week.
Murray waves farewell to the crowd and disappears off centre court.
Andy Murray beaten by Ugo Humbert in straight sets
That’s that! Ugo Humbert beats Andy Murray 6-2, 6-4 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Dubai Open.
Andy Murray 2-6, 4-5 Ugo Humbert*
Murray succeeds in keeping himself alive, a beautifully cushioned volley from thigh height earning him game point before a netted Humbert return.
Andy Murray* 2-6, 3-5 Ugo Humbert
Murray re-straps his ankle braces and tries to loosen his legs, but an exasperated cry to the heavens after Ugo Humbert’s latest forehand tonk betrays the situation he faces. He’ll serve to stay in the match.
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