Andy Murray has bowed out of the European Open in Antwerp with a straight sets defeat to Diego Schwartzman
Murray, back at the scene of his last singles title in 2019, was unable to make the most of an early lead as Schwartzman won 6-4 7-6 (6) in two hours and 13 minutes.
The Argentinian had the luxury of a first-round bye on Tuesday while Murray fought his way into the last 16 with an epic victory over Frances Tiafoe which lasted almost four hours.
Murray struck the first blow against Schwartzman to break for a 3-1 lead and the Scot’s serve was not troubled until the Argentinian fought back in the seventh game.
Murray saved a second break point with an ace, but it was third time lucky for Schwartzman who broke, levelled and then surged ahead.
Schwartzman saw out the first set by winning a fifth consecutive game.
Murray held serve at the start of the next set by saving two break points.
A see-saw second set went in Schwartzman’s favour with a break for a 3-2 lead, but Murray showed his resilience once again to level at 4-4.
Both players then led in a thrilling tie-break which saw no less than five break points but Schwartzman clinched victory with his second match point.
