Cincinnati Open: Murray beaten by Gasquet in singles comeback

The 32-year-old Briton was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Richard Gasquet of France.

Ohio (USA): Former world number one Andy Murray's singles comeback ended in defeat in the first round at the Cincinnati Masters in the United States on Monday.

The 32 year-old Briton was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Richard Gasquet of France.

Murray has slipped to world number 324 since he underwent hip surgery in January, but there were some positives to take from his first match back at the top level.

Gasquet broke serve in the opening games of both sets and saved four of the five break points he faced in a 98-minute victory, his first in seven attempts against the three-time grand slam champion.

Austrian number four seed Dominic Thiem awaits in round two.

After the match, the ATP Tour posted on social media site Twitter that Murray will not play in the singles at the US Open, which starts later this month.