Monte Carlo Masters: Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie lose in first round but Jack Draper through

Andy Murray previously reached the Monte Carlo semi-finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016

Andy Murray fell to an early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters as he lost to Alex de Minaur in the first round.

British number three Murray, currently ranked 57th in the world, was beaten 6-1 6-3 by the Australian 14th seed.

Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was playing on the Monaco clay for the first time since 2017.

Earlier, British number one Cameron Norrie was also knocked out in the first round but Jack Draper returned from injury with a win.

In total, Murray committed 26 unforced errors compared to the eight of De Minaur, who will face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round.

De Minaur was yet to win a Masters 1,000 match this year after opening defeats at both Indian Wells and Miami, but rectified that with his third victory over Murray on the ATP Tour.

While both players were making their first appearance on clay in 2023, Murray – on his least favourite surface – was far from his best, losing the opening four games as De Minaur romped to the first set in 35 minutes.

After arguing with chair umpire Carlos Bernardes early in the second set because he did not stop play after Murray’s cap fell off mid-point, the Scot further lost his way, broken in the next game amid numerous unforced errors before De Minaur saw out a comfortable win.

Earlier on Monday, Norrie, ranked 13th in the world, was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.

In his match, Norrie looked unsettled throughout and had 18 unforced errors compared with only eight winners.