“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.
Loading ...Tags: ATP, Cilic, Murray, Nadal, tennis, US Open
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Hard to believe, I guess not even Cilic believed he could pull the upset.
Murray was playing very erratic, it didn't seem his confident self.
nonsense.in tennis,if u play bad like andy did u should be made aware n maybe u may come bac better,stop making excuses for him excuses excuses excuses,this just confirmes that playing hundreds of matches to get to a top rank dont make u a top player.serena williams is a prime example of this fact.quality not quantity.all andy does very well is retrieving balls and earning cheap points with his serve to avoid playing the opponent.its so boring.zzzzzzzzz even if he wins his matches,where is the excitment in that.rafa deserves to be at the top of the game due to the ecitement he brings to court.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy is Fed (secretly of course!)? I'd say 8! And someone need to check on a certain british "journalist" named Simon Reed to see if he's still alive The poor guy is such a Muzz KAD I have reason to fear he may have slice his wrist after that defeat!
Going to have to check out Simon Reed. Sounds like he might be writing an entertaining article!
I think Murray has had a great year–he just hasn't had a year that lives up to all the hype he's gotten.
good point Carrie. although I do think that Murray, himself, expected to win a Major this year. Or at least compete in a final! I guess it gets tougher the closer you get to the summit.
Always nice looking back in retrospect at that link. The King knew all along didn't he?
Federer, for one, says he’s not worried about Andy Murray. When asked this week if the Scot was his biggest “threat” in New York, Roger answered: “No.”
Now it's just up to Rafa to grab his #2 spot back (which he prob will!).
Roger's dismissal of Murray as a threat always seems a little defensive to me, but then he's proven right and it looks like he's just being honest. . .
Yeah, I am sure Federer was up nights worrying about Andy Murray! How delusional are you (secretly)? A marginal “no hit” wonder troubling the maestro, get a grip, really!
Ok, no need to trash talk. But I agree with you. Roger just beat Murray recently, not to mention he beat him at the US Open last year in the final. So I don't think he was really worried.
Ok, no need to trash talk, but I agree. Roger beat Murray recently (in Cincinnatti was it?) not to mention he beat him in the final of the US Open last year. So I don't think he was worried about Murray.
Yep, tennis gods are re-aligning the world order. Murray getting to No.2 was a universal hiccup.
just more evidence of why roger is so amazing. hopefully rafa will win tonight and be back at no. 2. can't wait to see what the tennis gods have in store for us.
I hope Rafa gets #2 ranking again, I loved it when it was Roger#1, and Rafa #2
I'm as much a Fed Fanatic as anyone here. But I'm praying that Rafa and Fed will meet in the final and Rafa will prevail.
Really!? I think that shirtless episode during the Almagro match has turned you into a Rafanatic!
LOL, well, shirtless episodes can have this power over us. Over me they do, at least. I know I had my "drooling moment" yesterday watching Tsonga change during his match with Gonzalez.
Well am not exactly keen on seeing another FEDal final, but if ever they do meet in the finals, i sure hope that Roger will get his revenge and win his 6th USO.And it is the true blooded Fed Fanatic in me talking=)
Murray had his chances in the first set, but was unable to convert two match points. => I think you meant set points.
Why yes, yes I did! THanks Dark! I changed it.
poor Andy, but i'm a Rafa fan so all is well with me here
is it just me or are we seeing some "Safina-like" traits here
both are excellent players on tour matches but when it comes to the slams all the pressure and expectations just gets into them
^ At least Safina made two finals this year.
Technically, Rafa may not be assured of the No 2 spot yet. Rumour has it that if Djokovic wins and Rafa loses next round, Djoko = No 2.
Count me among those who always thought Djokovic had a chance of winning the USO. I really won't be that surprised if he gets the trophy.
But after yeaterday, I think Nadal is also looking good to take the whole thing. This last major is getting more and more interesting.
Interesting! We'll have to see if Nole can handle the pressure. He definitely could win the whole tournament. That would be quite the story of redemption.
Murray is a good player but I can't wait for the British press to get real and cool down the hype around him. He's got a lot to show before he can truly be considered one of the greatest.
And yes, I am VERY pleased that the rankings are getting back to where they should be – one more little change to go
Rafa is back, watch out Rog, you might need some more of those Kleenex…Sorry, I know, that's a bit evil – bwahahaha 
I feel for the boy, he has been working his arse off recently and like Laura said above, expected to got to the final.
But it will be less irritating reading the sports pages with a pause in Murray mania.
Murray and other upcoming young players must not lose their concentration and reduce level of attention and commitment, may whatever come at them. The British Media in the last few months has had a damaging effect on Murray for sure. He was celebrated more than deserved and now he is paying for it. He must have been talking about his preparation for the slam than boasting about his chances against Federer.
test
murray is a great player, but i don't think he has the appeal and charisma that rog and rafa possess, which is why i'm not a big fan. sure, he's been impressive at times this year, but i was super satisfied and happy that he lost. i was happy when rog kicked his butt in cincy and i was even happier when he lost to cilic! i was there at the uso and when i heard the news it made my day, no sot much because i thought rog or rafa couldn't beat him, but because i'm not a big fan. all the talk and pressure and bigger ego may have taken their toll or maybe he was just having an off day. either way, shows how impressive rog and rafa have been at the slams for years. it only feels right that they be 1 and 2 again.