Andy Murray crashes out of the French Open in the first round as straight sets defeat by Stan Wawrinka sees Roland Garros swansong come to an early end

Andy Murray said goodbye to the big stage at Roland Garros for probably the last time after a first round defeat to Stan Wawrinka at the French Open.

The former world number one was comprehensively defeated under the spotlights on Court Philippe Chatrier 6-4 6-4 6-2.

It was a familiar feeling for Murray, whose last three matches on the Paris circuit have now ended in defeat to his Swiss rival.

The first was the epic semi-final defeat in five brutal sets in 2017, a match that ultimately proved too much for Murray’s hip and almost forced him into retirement.

This one was more like the second, an outright defeat in the first round of 2020, but it probably got Murray one step closer to ending it.

Murray has, of course, provided plenty of unforgettable late-night drama over the years. But unfortunately, it looks like the well has finally run dry.

To be honest, the 37-year-old Scot had done well to come here after tearing his ankle ligaments nine weeks ago.

It meant that the two ancient warriors, greats of the modern game, with a combined age of 76 years and only three original hips between them, met for the 23rd time in their illustrious careers.

Like Murray, Wawrinka is a three-time Grand Slam winner and became French Open champion in 2015.

After breaking Murray’s serve in the first game, the 39-year-old turned the opening set into a masterclass in the dying art of the one-handed backhand.

It was, and probably still is, one of the best of the Tour, presented by a thrilling winner down the line that brought Chatrier to his feet.

Wawrinka should have won the set when he played with Murray with a drop shot followed by a lob, but he pushed an easy winner long.

But he wrapped it up on the next attempt when Murray sent a forehand long and looked up at the sky in disgust.

Murray’s frustration grew when a volley into the net gave Wawrinka a break point for 2-1 in the second, which the Swiss gratefully accepted.

With every shot that went wide and every winner that flew just out of reach, the shoulders slumped a little further.

The second set went Wawrinka’s way after another makeable Murray forehand whistled into the net, and the third was frankly a procession, won with, predictably, a backhand.

So Murray, a popular runner-up here in 2016, left stage left with a sustained wave to loud, appreciative applause.

He is yet to play the men’s doubles alongside Dan Evans, but the British duo would have a very long way to go to return to the main show field.

Moreover, Murray will be appointed to Surbiton next week, suggesting that he did not expect to stay at Roland Garros for so long anyway.