Andy Murray proclaimed 'I don't have a clue what I'm doing' as he crashed out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the second round, admitting afterwards he won't play 'past this summer'.
The Brit was aiming to win back-to-back matches for the first time in 2024 but was beaten in straight sets by Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-4.
Murray won in the first round against Denis Shapovalov on Monday, coming from a set down to beat the Canadian star.
He admitted after that match that he may only have a few months remaining as a professional after previously conceding that 2024 could be his last year.
Andy Murray has lost in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships
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Victory on Monday was just Murray's second since last October and he hasn't won more than one game at any tournament since last June.
He was unable to put an end to that record on Wednesday as Humbert came through in two sets in Dubai.
Humbert broke Murray early in the first set and earned another to go 4-1 up before seeing it out 6-2.
The 25-year-old again gained an early break in the second set, which then went with serve before he won it 6-4.
Murray was clearly angry at his own performance, with the star venting at himself early in the second set.
He was heard saying: "I don't have a clue what I'm doing. Awful feeling, awful feeling on a tennis court. Horrific."
The i also reports that Murray hit the umpire's chair with his racket in frustration, taking a small chunk out of the chair.
Murray has repeatedly said he will retire on his own terms, dismissing any claims he is tarnishing his legacy.
He was again asked about his future in his post-match press conference.
And he admitted it is increasingly likely he will bow out during the summer months.
Murray said: "Yeah, I mean, I'm likely not going to play past this summer. I get asked about it after every single match that I play, every single tournament that I play.
"I'm bored of the question, to be honest. Yeah, I'm not going to talk more about that between now and whenever the time comes for me to stop. But yeah, I don't plan on playing much past this summer."
Some fans on social media have called for him to call it a day now after his latest loss.
One X user wrote: "You were an incredible player and you should retire the best way. It’s hard to watch."
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Andy Murray was beaten in straight sets by Ugo Humbert in Dubai
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While another put: "Cry baby should retire and save himself the embarrassment."
One fan thought Murray's performance was worryingly below par, posting: "That was atrocious from Andy Murray. 49 per cent first serve percentage is awful.
"And just 7pts scored on Humbert's 1st serve is probably the worst in his career. It’s painful watching Andy be this bad now."
And another said: "Andy Murray... might be the beginning of the end."
Ugo Humbert is through to the quarter-final of the Dubai Tennis Championships
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But some supporters are still backing the two-time Wimbledon champion.
One wrote to Murray: "Hi Andy, just wanted to remind you that you're among the greatest sportspeople our little island has ever produced and you are totally awesome. Only be hard on yourself if it motivates you dude."
Humbert was delighted with his win, saying on court: "It was a great match. It's never easy to play against Andy. I'm happy. I played well.
"My ranking gives me a lot of confidence. I try to play with that confidence on the court. I knew exactly what I had today."
