Murray Handed Victory After Grosjean Injury

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Andy Murray’s first match on grass for almost two years was short-lived after Sebastien Grosjean retired after just two games due to a left thigh injury.

Murray, seeded No. 6 at The Artois Championships, was leading 2-0 when the two-time runner-up Grosjean called an early end to proceedings at The Queen’s Club.

“I would have rather to have won the match normally,” said Murray. “You get a bit more confidence from that. I got a good hour, hour and 15 minutes on the court last night for the doubles, which helped, and I felt pretty comfortable on the shots that I did hit in that match, which was good.”

The British No. 1, who missed last year’s grass court campaign because of a wrist injury, will now meet either Andreas Seppi or Ernests Gulbis in the third round.

Meanwhile, British wild card Dan Evans endured a tough debut at The Artois Championships after going down 6-1, 6-1 to former Wimbledon semifinalist Xavier Malisse.

The 18-year-old from Birmingham, who was playing in his first ATP tournament, had his serve broken five times by the Belgian during the 49-minute match.

“It was the experience I was looking for,” said Evans. “Obviously, I lost 6 1, 6 1, but it wasn't all doom and gloom. I got to play on a big court. Obviously better than playing on one of the outside courts. So next time when I have that opportunity, I'll be maybe one step ahead of the person who I play.

“It was a good opportunity for me. I could have done better, but it doesn't always go the way you want it to go.”

Malisse will now face four-time champion Lleyton Hewitt in the second round.

Elsewhere on day two, British qualifier Richard Bloomfield battled hard in the first set against No. 10 seed Fernando Gonzalez but eventually went down 7-6(5), 6-3 in the first round.