The world tennis number one, Andy Murray, has ended a triumphant 2016 in defeat, beaten for the first time by David Goffin in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
The 7-6 6-4 loss in the last four of the low-key year-ending exhibition will hardly worry the Scot, who ends the year at the top of the rankings, having won the Wimbledon, Olympic gold and the ATP World Tour Finals.
British tennis player Andy Murray. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Murray is a two-time winner of the tournament in Mubadala, but will not be fighting for a third title on New Year's Eve after being edged out by his Belgian opponent, who had never before taken a set off the Scot.
Neither man broke serve in the first set, which Goffin wrapped up on tie-break with a pair of aces to finish.
Murray's focus now turns to the Qatar Open in Doha as he builds towards his push for an elusive first Australian Open title next month.
Goffin will meet Rafael Nadal in the final after the Spaniard beat world number three Milos Raonic in three sets.
Nadal, a 14-time grand slam winner, won this event last year.
- AAP
