Andy Murray: Three-time Grand Slam winner loses in last 16 at Rennes Open

Andy Murray lost in the first round of the US Open to world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas and hopes to build his ranking at ATP events to avoid facing top players in the opening match of future Grand Slams

Andy Murray is out of the Rennes Open after a punishing 6-2 4-6 6-1 defeat to Roman Safiullin in the last 16.

Seeded fifth, Murray had hoped for a run of games in France, attracting large crowds for his two matches.

But an unfortunate net cord at break point down in the third set broke his resistance and Safiullin ran away with the match.

Murray, 34, impressed in the first round and wanted to build his ranking with a good run in this ATP Challenger event.

The Scot lost two of his opening three service games but there were signs of recovery when he broke back as Safiullin served for the set.

The Russian, 24, closed out the opener but ever-dogged, Murray fought back in the second set and broke in the ninth game on his way to winning the second set.

He had break point in Safiullin's opening service game but could not convert before the Russian benefitted from a fortunate net deflection to break Murray in the next game.

Murray lost his rhythm after that as Safiullin raced away with the third set and, even though the former British number one saved a series of match points on his own serve, it was ultimately in vain.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray has a wildcard for the Metz Open next week and may see that tournament as his next opportunity to improve his rank.

In the Slovenian Open, Britain's Katie Boulter struggled against second seed Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan and was knocked out 6-3 6-1.

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