Monte Carlo Masters 2023: Andy Murray exits with a whimper to Alex De Minaur after error-strewn display

Andy Murray went out with a whimper at the Monte Carlo Masters as he fell to an error-strewn 6-1 6-3 defeat to 14th seed Alex De Minaur in the first round.

The former world No.1 was broken in the opening service game and things went downhill from there as he produced 26 unforced errors and failed to earn a single break point in a disappointing start to his clay court campaign.

De Minaur, who extended his perfect head-to-head record against Murray to 3-0, never looked at risk of being the latest victim of a storming comeback from the Scot as he eased to victory in one hour and 26 minutes.

The Australian did not need to produce his best tennis, with the players level for aces (1) and winners (9). It was De Minaur’s error count of eight – less than a third that of his opponent – that proved decisive.

De Minaur will face Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round after the German qualifier beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4 6-3.

Murray got off to a disastrous start as he double-faulted and was guilty of three unforced errors to hand De Minaur an instant break.

The Australian was rock-steady on serve and didn’t face any break points, consolidating his early breakthrough with a love hold.

Three unforced errors in a row handed De Minaur another break as the Australian cantered into a 4-0 lead before Murray finally got on the board with a hold.

There was little danger of a comeback, though, as De Minaur stayed steady on serve to see out the opener in just 34 minutes.

A vast improvement was required from Murray if he were to get back into the match and he began the second set with a more determined look, but came out second best in an epic 44-shot rally as De Minaur held.

Murray landed an ace on his way to a comfortable hold, but the errors soon crept back in and three of them resulted in De Minaur going a break ahead at 3-1.

The Scot’s frustration showed as he debated with the umpire about a point being played after his hat fell off and berated himself as the mistakes kept coming.

De Minaur had two more break point chances at 4-1, but Murray did well to save them both on his way to a hold.

The Australian had little cause to worry about a comeback as his 35-year-old opponent failed to create a single break point opportunity during the match, and he sealed the win on the first match point after Murray stuck the ball in the net.

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