Cincinnati Masters: Andy Murray out in first round after Lucas Pouille defeat

Britain's Andy Murray suffered a first-round defeat to Lucas Pouille at the Cincinnati Masters.

Murray hit six double faults on his way to being broken three times in a one-sided first set, which Frenchman Pouille took 6-1.



The 31-year old Briton recovered to force a decider, but Pouille, 24, prevailed 6-1 1-6 6-4.

Murray was playing only his fourth tournament after missing nearly a year out with a hip injury.

Two weeks ago, Murray pulled out of his Washington Open quarter-final after only finishing his last-16 win at 03:02 local time earlier the same day.

The former world number one looked rusty in the opening exchanges, with two double faults in his first service game setting the tone for a poor opening set.

Murray hit back strongly at the start of the second set, breaking Pouille three times and exerting greater authority on his own serve to force a decider.

Both players showed signs of tension in the opening game of the third set, which lasted nearly 12 minutes.

Murray eventually surrendered the break having led 40-15, with the three-time grand slam champion evidently frustrated after double-faulting to hand Pouille the initiative.

The Scot remained in the contest and forced a break point in the fourth game of the set after coming out on top of a memorable rally at 15-15.

However, Pouille held on to maintain his advantage and then served out the match comfortably to secure his first professional victory over Murray in five meetings.