Murray handed brutal straight sets defeat in first round

Murray played off the court in Melbourne, after suffering an expected 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 defeat by 30th seed Argentinian Tomas Etcheverry

Small hopes for Andy Murray to match last year’s heroics of surviving from the dead were shattered very early in this year’s Australian Open. Each set was very similar to one another, with Murray struggling to keep consistent on his service games to pile the pressure onto the 30th seed. It was far too comfortable for the Argentinian however it must be said, he has 12 years on the Brit.  
 
Murray was able to hold his own in the initial stages of the match, it had the recipe for a long battle which could go late into the evening. However, Etcheverry managed to nick the first-set which was by far the closest of the evening in terms of the rallies, as well as the scoreboard.  
 
Fans have been doubting Murray’s ability to fight his way back into matches after his hip surgery. Murray proved his ability to battle in five-setters against Aussie, Thanasi Kokkinakis last year. The Argentine looked to keep his foot down during all phases of the match, it was not lights out tennis from Etcheverry but it was more than good enough to beat Murray who was far from his best. 
 
Andy Murray proved his popularity with the fans in the Rod Laver arena. Around 5000 fans crammed themselves into their seats to watch the Brit in the first round. Murray hinted that it could be his ‘last time’ at Melbourne Park in an interview. This would not be a surprise as he could look to be putting the racket away for good in the British grass court season.