Murray out after epic Wawrinka clash
BRITAIN’S Andy Murray crashed out of the US Open last night after a dramatic third-round defeat to Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka.
Limping Murray twice needed medical attention at courtside before succumbing 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-3 in an epic match that lasted three hours and 56 minutes.
The Scot recovered from a shaky start to snatch the first set and race into a 3-0 lead in the second. But from there his serve deserted him, Wawrinka won a tie-break of his own and visibly grew in confidence. Murray continued to unleash superb shots that left 25th seed Wawrinka rooted to the spot, but frequently followed them with uncharacteristic errors. His opponent, meanwhile, was enjoying the match of his life and fed off the Flushing Meadows crowd’s appetite for an upset.
World No4 Murray sought attention for his leg and, as the match slipped away from him in the fourth set, his neck, and at times appeared to pull put of shots due to discomfort. Wawrinka too was treated for a thigh strain.
Murray arrived in New York as one of the favourites, having won the Toronto Masters last month but will now face fresh questions about whether to employ a new coach.