Taro Daniel, a Japanese qualifier, defeated Andy Murray in straight sets in the second round.
The 120th-ranked Daniel defeated the three-time Grand Slam champion 6-4 and 6-4 at John Cain Arena to reach the third round.
He will now play either Jannik Sinner, an 11th-seeded Italian, or Steve Johnson, an American. “Amazing level from myself.
Daniel stated that he was feeling nervous during the third set.
Murray, 34, was ranked 113 and played as a tournament wildcard.
He walked quickly off the court and expressed his disappointment at losing this opportunity.
Murray underwent a career-saving hip operation in 2019 won Tuesday’s Australian Open match.
However, his epic five-set victory against the big-hitting Georgian 21st-seed Nikoloz Basilashvili left him tired and frustrated. He even changed his shoes to stem the tide at one point.
Daniel, 28, exploited the lethargy of his rival and was whippet-quick about the court chasing balls while Murray was choosing his battles.
In the third game, Murray was broken by the Japanese. In the sixth game, he was broken again when he made a backhand error.
Murray double-faulted again, and Daniel broke. He served the first set with an ace.
Murray tried to keep Daniel in reach, but he broke again. Despite four break-point opportunities, the Scot couldn’t find a way back.
Daniel played for love to gain a two-set lead over Murray and increase Murray’s challenge to regain control.
Murray increased the pressure on Daniel, drawing an error for 30-40 abd he took control of the second set by double-faulting Daniel.
Murray could not hit a critical backhand in his next service game, so Daniel came up with a backhand down the line to break the tie and level the third set.
Daniel broke Murray’s serve in the ninth game and served out for the match. He won it on the first of his two match points.
