Andy Murray vs. Gael Monfils: Score, Report from 2014 IPTL Philippines Clash

Andy Murray failed to overcame a sluggish start and was stunned by Frenchman Gael Monfils in the International Premier Tennis League. Murray needed to rebound after losing to Marin Cilic on the opening day of the competition, a result that condemned his Manila Mavericks team to starting with a loss.

He got exactly the opposite after seeing Monfils take the first game of this 1-set encounter. The game Frenchman eventually took the match 6-4.

Monfils kept making Murray work, diving around the Court to pose the Scot plenty of problems, as the competition's official Twitter feed noted:

However, Murray stood firm for periods and matched the active Frenchman shot for shot in a frenetic series of excellent Tennis. He soon worked himself into a 4-3 lead that applied plenty of pressure on Monfils.

At this point, Murray was displaying his trademark knack for manufacturing shots. Meanwhile, Monfils relied on his forehand to keep Murray scrambling.

Monfils soon broke serve to even the match at 4-4. Not even a typically buccaneering late rally could save him here.

The result is definitely a shock for Murray who has so far failed to rise to the occasion and find his best tennis. Whether that's down to him taking the competition lightly, or his recent change of coaches is unknown. He confirmed the decision to move on from Dani Vallverdu and fitness trainer Jez Green via his personal website.

With uncertainty surrounding him, Murray has looked tame on the court. Now he faces the indignity of leaving this inaugural competition without a win.

As for the Mavericks, already a point down, they could start with two match defeats.