Murray defeated by Viola in third round on return to ATP Challenger Tour at Rafa Nadal Open

Thursday, 29 August 2019 at 23:11

Much was made of Andy Murray's return this week to the ATP Challenge Tour but he headed out in the Last 16 in a 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 defeat to World No.240 Matteo Viola.

The main issue though came for Murray in the third set when he dropped to one knee on court with fans likely fearing the worst.

It wasn't his hip though which is where he has experienced his problems, it was his left leg and he said afterwards it was cramp that was the issue.

Murray took a medical time out likely to get him through the last set and by the deciding tie-break he seemed to be really tired which is expected in his comeback.

Despite not winning at the Rafa Nadal Open, it is further competitive tennis for the Scot who up to only a few months ago didn't think he'd return to singles action. It remains to be seen whether he continues to build up match practice on the Challenger Tour though.

https://twitter.com/rnadalacademy/status/1167175636395405312?s=20

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