PUZZLED RAFA QUERIES MURRAY’S LATE EXIT

RAFA NADAL has questioned Andy Murray’s 11th-hour withdrawal from the US Open.

The world No.1 said he was surprised the Scot (right) left it so late before deciding he couldn’t compete. It was too late to change the draw, meaning Nadal, who swept into the second round with a 7-6 6-2 6-2 win over Dusan Lajovic, is due to meet Roger Federer in the semi-final.

Nadal (left) said: “It was a little bit strange that he retired the morning after the draw. Normally you keep trying until the last moment. If not, you can do it before the draw. “That’s why I say it’s strange. But of course he has his reasons, and for sure the only negative news was that he will not be playing here.” Federer was taken to five sets by American teenager Frances Tiafoe before winning 4-6 6-2 6-1 1-6 6-4.

British No.4 Aljaz Bedene was sent packing from Flushing Meadow with barely a whimper.

He lost to Russian teenager Andrey Rublev 6-1 6-4 6-4 in his first round match.