Andy Murray ‘sad’ after playing ‘last match’ at the Miami Open
Andy Murray has played his final singles match at the Miami Open, after losing out in a close-fought thriller against Tomas Machac last night.
Murray was beaten, 7-5 5-7 6(5)-7, by the Czech in a back-and-forth match that lasted nearly three-and-a-half hours in Miami.
The Brit trailed 5-2 in the deciding set before fighting back to level things at 5-5, but it was at this point where Murray appeared to go over on his ankle.
However, after receiving attention from the medic Murray continued on and saved a match point to force a tie-break.
It was in this tie-break where Murray lead 5-3, before Machac won the last four points to move onto the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time in his career.
Murray reflected on the disappointment after the match, revealing his sadness that he will never compete in singles action at the tournament ever again.
“I wasn’t thinking about all the matches I played. Just more that that’s the last match that I am going play here which is sad because I love it here,” explained Murray. “I’ve spent so much of my tennis career here and I would have liked it to have gone on a little bit longer.”
The former No.1 has reached the singles final four times at the Miami Open over the years, claiming the title in 2009 and 2013.
This is something that Murray admitted made him feel more emotional leaving the court, “This tournament particularly for me is an important one so it was a bit more emotional leaving the court today than it might be at some of the other events. I am looking forward to the end now, give my best the next few months and get to be at home with my family.
“Miami has been a special place for me during my career. It’s been my tennis home really. I’ve done so much of my work and training and preparation here. I love the city.”
A standing ovation for Andy Murray ????
The former two-time champion fell to a battling defeat against Tomas Machac at the Miami Open ???? pic.twitter.com/GGOtS3VHEi
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) March 25, 2024
Although Murray is unlikely to return to the Miami Open next year, but the 36-year-old is still expected to compete in doubles action alongside Sebastian Korda later today.
Inside the baseline…
Although it was incredibly disappointing that Andy Murray could not get over the line, the two-time Miami Open champion showcased every aspect of his fighting spirit throughout the enthralling battle on Butch Buchholz stadium. The sad thing about this result is that it may end up being the last singles match that Murray plays on a hard court, with the clay and grass court seasons coming up.
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