Andy Murray has appeared to aim a little criticism at the organisers of the US Open as he expressed regret at his decision to refuse a wildcard for the men’s singles. Murray has opted to sit out the US Open singles despite being offered a route into the main draw – but he does’t seem all that happy about it.
Speaking after his Cincinnati Master defeat to Richard Gasquet, Murray explained that he felt the decision was taken out of his hands by a restrictive deadline imposed by US Open bosses.
“We were hoping to maybe hold a wild card until a little bit closer to the time to see how I feel and get some matches hopefully and a bit of practice,” he said as he confirmed he would not be taking the wildcard.He has now elaborated on that, and again suggested that had he had more time to properly assess his condition after his singles return, it may have gone a different way.
“When I woke up, I was like – I want to play three-set matches,” he told BBC Sport.
“I could maybe test myself there, and if I got through qualifying that might show that I’m ready to play there. But too late, unfortunately.”
“I’m not going to play in the @usopen singles” ❌??
Andy Murray will, though, still look to take part in the doubles at the US Open, and is on the lookout for partners in both the men’s and mixed competitions.
“It’s not easy to find anyone at this late notice,” he admitted when asked if he had partners lined up,” but I’m sure we’ll get someone.”
His partner for the men’s won’t be Feliciano Lopez, with whom Murray won Queen’s doubles earlier this summer.
Lopez has been asked by Spain’s Davis Cup captain to team with Pablo Carreno Busta at Flushing Meadows instead.
“Unfortunately he’s taken,” Murray confirmed, “and a lot of the players have partners now,” Murray added.Look ahead to the rest of 2019 with our guides to every tournament on the ATP Tour and the WTA Tour. If you can’t visit the tournaments you love then do the next best thing and read our guide on how to watch all the ATP Tour matches on television in 2019. To read more amazing articles like this you can explore Tennishead magazine here or you can subscribe for free to our email newsletter here
