Britain’s Andy Murray began what is likely to be his final Queen’s appearance with a gritty win over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin.
Former world number one Murray, 37, earned a 6-3 3-6 6-3 victory in his first-round match on Tuesday.
Murray, who is a five-time champion at Queen’s, is not expecting to play past the Paris 2024 Olympics as he contemplates where and when he will end his glittering career.
It has been a tough year for the Scot, who ruptured ankle ligaments in March and has struggled with a back injury in recent weeks.
He has dropped outside of the world’s top 100, with the victory over Popyrin just his seventh of the season.
“It has been a difficult season but I did well to come through in the end,” said Murray.
“Any win you can get is important – obviously with Wimbledon a few weeks away I want to build up confidence and get matches in my legs.
“Today was a difficult one and I’m proud of the way I fought.”
Elsewhere, compatriot Dan Evans had to retire with a knee injury after slipping during his opener against American opponent Brandon Nakashima.
There was better news for British number six Billy Harris, who earned the best win of his career by beating Argentine world number 32 Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
New British number one Jack Draper begins his campaign against Argentina’s Mariano Navone later on Tuesday.
Source Agencies
