Gutsy Murray downed in Oz
Andy fights through his pain to take opening match to a five-set duel
Gutsy Andy Murray fought to the end before losing an epic Australian Open farewell match 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7) at the hands of Roberto Bautista Agut Monday.
The Scot, who said he would retire this season because of chronic hip pain, seemed finished at two sets and a break down to the 22nd seeded Spaniard in the first round but somehow battled back to force a fifth set.
“Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so, so much to everyone that came out tonight,” the three-time Grand Slam champion said after being swept along on a wave of vociferous support.
“Honestly I’ve loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn’t enough tonight.”
Murray announced at an emotional press conference on Friday that he would retire at Wimbledon this year, but conceded the Australian Open could be his last tournament, so great have been his injury problems.
But he seemed to have a change of heart after a match in which he showed his fighting spirit had not diminished.
“Maybe I’ll see you again,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I’ll do everything possible to try.”
Murray had entered a raucous Melbourne Arena to a huge ovation as Scottish Saltires and British Union flags were flown while one banner proclaimed: “There will only ever be one Andy Murray”.
The rollicking support lifted him, and despite frequently grimacing with pain he moved relatively freely as the Spaniard took the opening set in 50 minutes.
Bautista Agut broke for 2-1 in the third and just as the end looked like it would come quickly, Murray had the crowd back on their feet after a winner down the line to break back.
Once Bautista Agut broke in the fifth, Murray’s resolve crumbled and the Spaniard took it 6-2. He will face unseeded Australian John Millman in the second round.
“I’ve been very fortunate – and unlucky – to compete in an era with all those great players around,” Murray said. –