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Andy Murray Queens 2019

Andy Murray to face unpredictable Benoit Paire in Queens first round


Andy Murray will face Frenchman Benoit Paire in his latest return to competitive singles action after deciding to skip the French Open.

The three-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t played a singles match since March after suffering a groin injury and has delayed his return until his favoured grass-court season.

The former World No 1 was due to play at the Nottingham challenger but withdrew to focus on Queen’s, an event he has won on five occasions.

If Murray can get past the ever-entertaining and hugely unpredictable Frenchman, top seed Matteo Berrettini is likely to be waiting in the second round.

Andy Murray has only faced Berrettini once at the China Open in October 2019, where the Brit won 7-6 7-6.

British No 1 Dan Evans faces Alexei Popyrin in his first round encounter whilst Cameron Norrie, who had an excellent clay-court season, faces Albert Ramos Vinolas.

19-year-old wild card Jack Draper faces a real test against fellow 19-year-old and Next Gen star Jannik Sinner.

Second seed Denis Shapovalov faces a qualifier, while two-time champion Feliciano Lopez will meet Filip Krajinovic.