Since saving five match points to topple Lehecka in the Doha semifinals, Murray’s endured a rough patch of his own. The former world No. 1 has dropped five of seven matches, including his last four, and has combined for 12 games in the four sets he’s contested on European clay thus far.
A year after impressing in Madrid by outclassing Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov, Murray was sent packing in his opener at the Caja Magica by world No. 164 Andrea Vavassori. Asked about his dip in form, Murray told press that it’s “probably a combination of things. Didn't play a good match in Miami, and has been a few things since then that have been tricky. Certainly the beginning of the clay season hasn't been that easy for me.”
Monfils and Murray came up together, initially facing off 25 years ago at the ripe ages of 11 and 10 as juniors in Rouen. A version of La Monf rocking specs would prevail, though Muzza's older brother Jamie defended the family’s honor in the final.
They’ve maintained a friendly connection over the years, wonderfully clear when the two co-hosted a daily show on the Paris native’s Twitch account during the 2020 ATP Finals. When Monfils uploaded a viral video dancing to “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” ahead of the 2021 US Open, Murray replied, “You’re the man :) always make me smile!”