Andy Murray losses to Dominic Thiem in Barcelona Open semifinals

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — World No. 1 Andy Murray lost to Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the Barcelona Open semifinals on Saturday.

Murray's defeat came a week after he exited the third round at Monte Carlo. That loss prompted Murray to enter Barcelona to whip up some form for the French Open following a right elbow injury.

Murray fell for the first time in three meetings with Thiem.

Nine-time winner Rafael Nadal played Horacio Zeballaos of Argentina in the other semifinal later Saturday.

Thiem started strong, breaking Murray's first two service games before adding a third break en route to taking the first set.

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The ninth-ranked Thiem had a break point in the second set, but Murray held serve and broke him back to even the match at a set apiece.

Murray was again in trouble at 4-2 down in the decisive set, and folded when he failed to successfully return Thiem's deep lob on match point.

"He's the No. 1 in the world, so you have to find something in between playing aggressive and not making mistakes," Thiem said. "I was the luckiest in the end."

Thiem will be seeking his second title of the year and to add to his eight career titles.