Andy Murray suffered a straight-set defeat by Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik within the second spherical at Indian Wells.
However Bublik, 24, proved too sturdy for the previous world primary on Sunday, successful 7-6 (11-9) 6-3 in California.
“I simply did not take my alternatives at present, and I really feel that was a chance missed,” stated Murray.
The primary set went with serve however Murray, at present ranked 88th, spurned three break factors when main 2-1 up, and one other at 3-2 up.
Then within the tie-breaker, Bublik prevailed after saving three set factors and Murray did not take one other two break factors within the first sport of the second set.
Bublik then actually discovered his groove, going 4-1 up after claiming the match’s solely break of serve.
Murray did effectively to carry on to his serve to make it 4-2 and continued to battle to remain within the match, however Bublik noticed out the win to succeed in the third spherical.
That additionally left Murray with out back-to-back wins since reaching the Sydney Basic closing in January.
“In opposition to gamers which have huge serves and are usually not simple to interrupt, you must – while you get these probabilities – be ruthless,” added Murray, who earned a wildcard for the Masters occasion and loved his 700th win on the ATP Tour within the first spherical.
“I simply did not fairly play effectively sufficient in these moments at present and that is the factor that clearly I need to flip round.”
Evaluation
BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller
Subsequent cease Miami for Andy Murray, the place he hopes [recently reappointed coach] Ivan Lendl will have the ability to watch a few of his matches on website.
Murray continues to be out there for a second coach, who could be ready to journey with him for 20-25 weeks a 12 months. He says the trial late final 12 months with Esteban Carril went very effectively, however the Spaniard didn’t have that type of time obtainable.
The LTA coach Mark Hilton, who labored beforehand as a travelling coach with each Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund, has been with Murray in Indian Wells and can spend the following week coaching with him in Miami.
Murray says their time collectively has been each constructive and pleasing. No conversations have but been held about whether or not that partnership may change into extra everlasting, however in Murray’s eyes, he appears a robust candidate.
Third seed Zverev overwhelmed
Elsewhere, third seed Alexander Zverev is out after a three-set defeat by American Tommy Paul, who recovered from 4-2 down within the closing set to seal a 6-2 4-6 7-6 (7-2) victory.
German Zverev was taking part in his first ATP event since being thrown out of the Mexican Open and given an eight-week suspended ban for putting the umpire’s chair final month.
Zverev’s exit means Matteo Berrettini is now the highest-ranked participant within the backside half of the draw. The Italian sixth seed beat Denmark’s Holger Rune 6-4 4-6 6-4.
Andrey Rublev, seeded seventh, can also be via to the third spherical after easing previous Germany’s Dominik Koepfer 7-5 6-4.
