MANACOR, August 26, 2019

Andy Murray continues his return to singles action by making his first appearance on the ATP Challenger Tour since 2005 this week. The 32-year-old Scot opened his Mallorca campaign at the Rafa Nadal Open by Sotheby’s International Realty in Manacor on Monday evening with a 6-0, 6-1 win over unranked French teenager Imran Sibille.

Murray, who retired in his last Challenger match in Mons but also lifted two trophies at this level the same year, was in total control of this first-round encounter. He broke the 17-year-old’s serve five times to advance in only 42 minutes.

Andy Murray claims his first singles victory since January, advancing 60 61 in just 43 minutes in Mallorca.

Next up: third seed Norbert Gombos on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/rxoc08qAxy

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 26, 2019

Murray, who is seeking more matches and much-needed confidence in his comeback from hip surgery, will next take on No. 3 seed Norbert Gombos from Slovakia.

The event in Mallorca is held for the second time at the Rafa Nadal Academy on hard courts. The tournament offers a total prize money of €46,600 and 80 ATP Ranking points for the champion. Bernard Tomic of Australia won the inaugural edition last year, as he fought past Matthias Bachinger from Germany in three sets in the singles final.

This year’s top seed is World No. 88 Peter Gojowczyk from Germany, who will start his title bid against Jurij Rodionov of Austria, who defeated Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz Garfia 6-4, 6-4 earlier on Monday.

Admission to the tournament is free of charge.