Andy Murray loses Sydney final to Aslan Karatsev

Andy Murray's bid for his first ATP title since October 2019 ended with a straight-set defeat by Russian top seed Aslan Karatsev in the Sydney final.

The Briton, whose last win in Antwerp came nine months after hip surgery, lost 6-3 6-3 to the world number 20.

Murray was broken in the opening game and struggled on first serve in a set where he was outpowered by Karatsev.

Murray lost his first service game in the second set and the single break was enough for Karatsev to secure victory.

Five break opportunities were created by Murray in the fifth game of the second set, but Karatsev saved them all and regained his rhythm to clinch the title.

While Murray will be despondent at the defeat, the…