Ugo Humbert of France returns the ball to Andrew Murray from Great Britain during a match of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – 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.
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.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
