Wimbledon Warm-Up in Stuttgart Ends Early for Andy Murray

Andy Murray (37) faced a disappointing start to his Wimbledon preparation, losing 6-3, 6-4 to Marcos Giron (30) in the first round of the Stuttgart Open on Tuesday. The former world number one, who reached the Stuttgart final two years ago, had trained on grass in Britain following his first-round defeat to Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros last month.

Despite his preparation, Murray struggled at the Weissenhof Club, where the courts are maintained under the guidance of All England Club experts.

Murray will now look to regain form at Queen’s Club in London, his final event before what is likely to be his last Wimbledon appearance. The two-time Wimbledon champion (2013, 2016) lost in 75 minutes, with Giron securing his first match win in Stuttgart after previous first-round exits. As a result of the defeat, Murray will fall out of the Top 120 rankings.

In the first set, Murray’s momentum faltered when he volleyed into the net at 4-2, allowing Giron to close out the set three games later. Murray started the second set strong, winning the first six points, but couldn’t maintain his lead.

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“I grew up watching Andy, and it’s an honor to be on the court with him,” Giron said. “I’m grateful for the win and happy to have played against him. Getting a grass lesson from him is unreal—what he’s achieved in his career is unbelievable. I’m pumped with the win.”

Giron will face Jack Draper in the second round. The Briton previously defeated Giron in a five-set match in the first round of the Australian Open in January.

In other matches, Matteo Berrettini, who defeated Murray in the 2022 Stuttgart final, advanced with a 7-6(8), 5-7, 7-5 victory over Roman Safiullin.