Andy Murray – Photo Credit: Flickr

Andy Murray returned to the ATP Tour after last competing at Wimbledon. He reached the second round of the Cincinnati Masters with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Richard Gasquet of France.

Murray is a three-time Grand Slam champion who owns two titles here and played at the 2016 final. He has been struggling over the summer with a groin strain.

Wild card Murray and Gasquet, a longtime rival whose 53rd ranking meant he had to qualify, first played 15 years ago. Murray reached the Wimbledon during the third round and led their series 9-4. They last met in 2019 here. 

Murray hammered 14 aces and broke three times in the win that lasted just under two hours. After three games which lasted for a total of 20 minutes, Murray grabbed a 5-3 lead. He lost a game later before re-breaking to win the first set 6-4. Meanwhile, Gasquet was broken in the final game of the match after saving a match point before Murray prevailed.