“I don’t know how long or how quickly it will take me to get over it.”
That’s Andy Murray, who caught a wicked case of the Upset Bug on Tuesday. The second seed and co-favorite for the title was pushed out of the US Open by No. 16 seed Marin Cilic in their Round of 16 match: 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
Murray had his chances in the first set, but was unable to convert two set points. He rubbed his injured left wrist (though didn’t call the trainer), berated himself with sarcastic praise and grew visibly annoyed as his opponent’s shanks hit the lines. This was the old Mopey Murray’s MO, but lately the Scot’s impressed with his ability to keep it together on court. Guess he had a relapse.
Here’s Murray’s take.
I’m very disappointed. The way the last 3 slams went, I felt like I actually played well and lost. And today I didn’t feel like I played well. I had my chance in the first set and struggled after that. I guess the momentum went with him and I couldn’t get it back.
Given his No. 2 ranking and success in the Masters Series events, it’s easy to forget that Murray’s best Major result came a year ago at the US Open. His best performance this year was making the semis at Wimbledon. But Andy Murray insists that his 2009 has been positive:
It’s been a very good season. I don’t think I can say it’s been anything less than that. I’ve improved my results at Wimbledon and at the French Open. . . I equaled my best result in Australia. I guess it’s been a good season. Could’ve been better at the Slams, but the rest of the season’s gone well. I have to make sure I work on my game a lot to make sure when I go into the slams next year I’m ready to win one.
There was some talk during Cincinnati that Andy Murray could be No. 1 by the end of the US Open – whether or not he took home the trophy (click here). If Rafael Nadal beats Gael Monfils in Tuesday night’s match, Murray will drop back down to No. 3. One thing we’ve all learned this season – the plots change quickly in tennis.
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