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Murray to face Tsitsipas in first round of US Open

The Greek is seeded third, while Murray arrives in New York after two recent second-round losses

Andy Murray: he will have to take his chances on big points in order to compete with Tsitsipas. Photograph: Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Andy Murray: he will have to take his chances on big points in order to compete with Tsitsipas. Photograph: Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Thu Aug 26 2021 - 21:38

Andy Murray may be hoping to build some rhythm and establish a run of matches at the US Open this year, but he will start with one of the toughest first-round draws possible as he faces Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece.

The pair have never faced each other. Tsitsipas, seeded third and beaten in the French Open final in June by Novak Djokovic, is part of the second tier of tournament favourites behind the Serb.

Murray, meanwhile, arrives in New York after two recent second-round losses, falling to No 12 Hubert Hurkacz in a respectable 7-6(4), 6-3 loss at the Western & Southern Open before losing by an identical score to Frances Tiafoe in Winston-Salem on Wednesday.

While Murray was satisfied with his movement and physical shape in those matches, he will have to raise his level significantly and take his chances on big points in order to compete with Tsitsipas.