Murray loses in straight sets in return to singles action

Andy Murray made his return to singles play on Monday, falling in straight sets to Richard Gasquet in the first round of the Western & Southern Open.

The 32-year-old Scot, who hadn't played a singles match on tour since January due to his troublesome right hip, lost 6-4, 6-4 in Cincinnati. The match lasted 96 minutes.

Prior to Monday's defeat, Murray's last singles match was a five-set battle against Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open. In the aftermath, he told reporters that his persistent hip issue would likely force him to retire at some point in 2019.

However, a second operation allowed him to carry on "pain free."

He returned in June to play doubles. Murray then went on to compete in mixed doubles at Wimbledon, teaming up with Serena Williams.

Murray is a three-time Grand Slam champion, pairing two Wimbledon titles with a victory at the US Open in 2012.