Andy Murray is enduring a real low point in what has been an otherwise exceptional career.
The 36-year-old was dumped out of the first round of the Open Sud de France by home favourite Benoit Paire, another skilful veteran.
Despite taking the first set, a string of poor games and some questionable officiating saw the match taken away from him, eventually resulting in a 6-2, 6-7, 3-6 defeat.
Such an early exit once again draws into question his place at the top of tennis, having struggled in Melbourne just over a week ago too.
But what exactly is Murray’s ongoing record? Is there really cause for concern? We take a closer look…
What is Andy Murray’s current record?
Long gone are the days when the two-time Olympic gold champion was consistently challenging for major titles, but for Murray, simply playing is a miracle.
His work in recovering from hip surgery has been mesmeric, as someone who has shown willpower beyond most things seen in tennis before.
Such superhuman desire to continue playing the sport can only be admired, but his current run has not been kind to him regardless.
Twitter account Olly Tennis would write: ‘Andy Murray is 1-9 in his last 10 matches. The most frustrating thing for Andy is that it isn’t physical, it’s mental. If he could just get ONE run going in almost *any* tournament, that would be huge, but today’s loss vs Benoit Paire certainly won’t help…’.
Andy Murray edging towards retirement?
Well, as a long-time fan of his, I sincerely hope not.
Murray has long been one of the greatest players of a generation that has smothered so many promising talents, and whilst the Scotsman could have been one of many to hide behind the heavyweight trio of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, he instead stood up and challenged them.
That was no mean feat, and he ended up being the triumphant victor in two different Grand Slams..
His US Open win and Olympic gold in 2012, a maiden major, marked a turning point, but it was his 2013 Wimbledon title that truly sent his career into the stratosphere before he won it again three years later.
And since then, he has dazzled fans with his relentless running and elite shot-making to rival those aforementioned three during his peak.
Few can deny his qualities, and the insane levels reached across a lengthy career. But now, it is impossible to deny that it is edging towards its conclusion.
His interview after his first-round Australian Open defeat seemed to hint towards this being his last year on tour, but that could well have been the immediate reaction to an emotional defeat.
As long as Murray is happy and fit, then long may he continue to play.
After all, his name is as big a draw as any in world tennis still, even if his current run of form makes for tough reading.
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