Murray looks to doubles after Wawrinka beatdown

Andy Murray’s clay season hangs on the oubles, with the Scot teaming with Dan Evans to try and salvage his first French Open appearance in four years.

The three-time Grand Slam champion lost his singles opener on Sunday’s opening day 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to longtime Swiss rival Stan Wawrinka in a battle of hardened veterans.

Murray, just back after a March ankle injury, was disappointed to exit in straight sets in what is likely his final appearance at the clay major.

But the 37-year-old is hangin his hopes on the doubles before making his definitieve exit in Paris.

“I’m obviously disappointed. It was always going to be a tough, tough match. 

Stan has, over the years, played brilliant tennis on that court (2015 champion),” Murray said.

“I was expecting him to play very well and I think he did that. He gave me very few opportunities.

“I wish I could have done a little bit better. But I didn’t have extremely

high expectations.”

The former No. 1 said he will give a last-gasp effort in the doubles.

“Hopefully I’ll be fine for the doubles. I don’t know when we’re scheduled to play but I imagine it would be a bit later in the week.”

He added that he will have to gather his physical resources.

“P physically tennis is not easy for me nowadays. It’s hard, and clay has always been a surface that I’ve had back issues on.

“It’s something I’m used to. It was a bit of a struggle in the training and in the buildup, but I felt pretty good going into the match tonight, considering. 

“But (fitness) wasn’t much of a factor out there this evening, to be honest.”