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Murray’s career hits a new low


 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:47

The British star, a finalist at Flushing Meadows 12 months ago, was way off the form which had earned him five ATP Tour titles in 2009 as he suffered a straight sets defeat to Marin Cilic, the 16th seed from Croatia, who won in it at a canter at Arthur Ashe Stadium, 7-5 6-2 6-2.

Asked if the defeat was the biggest disappointment of his career, Murray replied: “My tennis career, yeah. I mean, worse things have happened to me, that’s for sure. In terms of tennis I guess it’s just the way the match went that really makes it disappointing.”

Murray had failed to get his game going on his preferred hard court surface at his favourite grand slam of the year but he refused to blame an injured left wrist for his defeat, having been sighted sporting a bandaged left wrist as he arrived at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre on a cool, cloudy and breezy day in New York.

“I had a problem with it for a week or so but regardless, I just struggled day,” Murray said. “I played poorly, I’m very disappointed, after the way that the last three slams went I felt like I had actually played well and lost. I didn’t feel like I played well.”

Cilic, 20, had pinpointed the need to use his 6ft 6ins height to his advantage and serve with authority as a key to success.

That certainly proved the case as Murray failed to convert any of his seven break points, while the Croat won 79% of his points on first service compared to the Scot’s 65%.

Cilic had not beaten Murray in their three previous meetings but having saved two set points in the first set, he never looked back as the second seed wilted as quickly as the Croat’s confidence grew.

“I had my chance in the first set and then struggled after that,” Murray said. “I guess the momentum went with him and I didn’t manage to get it back. I wasn’t able to return well.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.