Andy Murray has been handed a troublesome spherical one check in what may very well be his remaining ever marketing campaign on the Queen’s Membership Championships.
Nobody has lifted the Queen’s title greater than Murray, who has triumphed 5 instances on the event – along with his final victory coming throughout his dominant finish to the 2016 season.
Nonetheless, that is broadly anticipated to be the ultimate look on the event in West London for Murray, who has slipped to 97th on the earth rankings in latest weeks.
The previous world No 1 and three-time Grand Slam winner has alluded to doubtlessly retiring this summer season – although has made no official affirmation of that but.
Both approach, feelings will possible be excessive when the 37-year-old steps onto the court docket later this week, with Alexei Popyrin now confirmed to be his opening opponent.
Australia’s Popyrin has needed to come via qualifying to achieve the primary draw – however is 48 spots above Murray within the ATP Rankings at world No 49.
He additionally impressed as the highest seed in qualifying, not dropping a set throughout his two matches.
Popyrin beat Otto Virtanen 6-4, 6-4 in his opening match, earlier than dispatching fifth seed Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-4 to progress to the primary draw.
The 25-year-old was a part of the Australia workforce that reached the Davis Cup remaining final November, whereas he knocked out reigning Monte Carlo Masters champion Andrey Rublev at this 12 months’s occasion – and in addition pushed Novak Djokovic in 4 tight units on the Australian Open.
Ought to Murray prevail, he might face seventh seed Holger Rune within the second spherical.
However it’ll take some enchancment on his latest shows to progress previous Popyrin, who is without doubt one of the finest servers on the tour.
The Brit has not damaged serve in his final three matches, and has a hard 5-10 document on the ATP Tour up to now this season.
Your 1st Order of Play of the 2024 #cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/QDxbfjfPsf
— cinch Championships (@QueensTennis) June 16, 2024
This match will possible happen on Tuesday, with the order of play for Monday out.
Third seed and 2014 champion Grigor Dimitrov kickstart motion on Centre Court docket towards harmful grass courter Adrian Mannarino, earlier than Rune takes to court docket towards Jordan Thompson.
Murray’s compatriot Cameron Norrie faces Milos Raonic in a battle of former Queen’s finalists, whereas Frances Tiafoe can be in motion towards qualifier Rinky Hijikata.
Tuesday is not going to solely see Murray play but additionally defending champion Carlos Alcaraz – who shall be in motion for the primary time since his French Open victory.
Alcaraz will tackle Francisco Cerundolo, whereas second seed Alex de Minaur is about to face Lorenzo Musetti.
Queen’s Membership 2024: Carlos Alcaraz handed powerful opener by Cinch Championships draw
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