Andy Murray hints at retirement after defeat at Dubai Championship

The 36-year-old Murray hinted he was heading into the “last few months” of his career. “I’m likely not going to play past this summer.”

Britain’s Andy Murray waves to the crowd after losing his round of 16 match against France’s Ugo Humbert | Photo Credit: REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Fifth-seeded Ugo Humbert eased past Andy Murray 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Dubai Championships.

Humbert didn’t face a break point before converting his first match point to secure a first career win over Murray, who lifted the trophy in Dubai in 2017.

After rallying past Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the previous round for his 500th hard-court win, the 36-year-old Murray hinted he was heading into the “last few months” of his career. “I’m likely not going to play past this summer.”

In other early second-round matches, second-seeded Andrey Rublev, the 2022 champion, advanced to the quarterfinals of the hard-court tournament for the fifth straight time after eliminating Arthur Cazaux 6-4, 6-4.

Seventh-seeded Alexander Bublik also progressed with a 7-6 (8), 7-6 (2) win over Tallon Griekspoor.

Later Wednesday, defending champion Daniil Medvedev will be in action against Lorenzo Sonego.