Andy Murray was on the brink of a first-round defeat by Yannick Hanfmann at the Geneva Open when bizarre weather conditions forced play to be suspended.
Trailing 7-5, 4-1 in Switzerland, Murray faced rain and gusts of wind that blew white pollen onto the court. “It’s like it’s snowing out here and you still want us to keep playing,” Murray argued with umpire Greg Allensworth before players were sent back to the locker room.
Shortly after, play was canceled for the day, rescheduling Murray’s match for Tuesday, not before 12:00 BST. Fellow Briton Jack Draper’s match against Czech Tomas Machac was also moved to Tuesday.
Murray, a wildcard entry, was playing his first ATP Tour-level match since rupturing ankle ligaments at the Miami Open in March. Unless he can mount a remarkable comeback against Germany’s Hanfmann, Murray will miss the chance to face world number one Novak Djokovic in the second round.
Last week, 37-year-old Murray returned at a clay-court ATP Challenger event in Bordeaux but was knocked out in the second round by Frenchman Gregoire Barrere. The three-time Grand Slam champion has hinted at retiring soon but hasn’t announced his final tournament. Ranked 75th in the world, Murray is listed for the French Open, starting on 26 May.
Credit: BBC Sport
