Andy Murray lost 6-4 6-4 to Richard Gasquet in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters as the former world No 1 made his return to singles action for the first time since January.
Murray's service was broken in the opening game of the match, and the understandably rusty-looking Scot, who is working his way back from hip surgery, found himself within a point of a 3-0 deficit.
However, warming to his task, he fought back to lead 3-2 before Gasquet, employing a series of drop shots as he moved the Briton around the court, turned the screw to take the first set 6-4.
The second set started in much the same way as the first, as Gasquet, who missed the first four months of the season with a groin injury, broke in the opening game and then backed it up to lead 2-0.
But Murray showed a deft touch to hold serve with a half-volleyed lob and then produced a string of winners to push his opponent hard before he made it 3-1 with an ace.
The Scot once again showed his mettle, putting pressure on the Gasquet serve and holding his next two to make it 4-3 with his game improving all the time.
Both men held to allow the Frenchman to serve for the match at 5-4, and he needed no second invitation to seal a 6-4 6-4 victory.
PA
