Murray beaten by Paire in Montpellier first round

MONTPELLIER, France – Andy Murray suffered another early exit as the former World No. 1 was knocked out of the ATP event in Montpellier by Benoit Paire in the first round on Monday (Tuesday Manila time).

Paire came from behind to secure a 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win over the Briton.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray said earlier this month that retirement may not be far away after a poor run, following a comprehensive first-round Australian Open defeat by Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Murray has now won only one of his last eight matches and slipped to 49th in the world rankings.

The 36-year-old cruised through the first set to hint at a return to form, but Paire forced a decider by edging a second-set tie-break.

Murray bravely saved four match points, but home favorite Paire eventually got over the line.