A despondent Andy Murray admits he would consider his future in the sport if his ranking started going backwards following his US Open exit to Grigor Dimitrov.
The 36-year-old former world No 1 bowed out of this year’s final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows after a dispiriting second-round defeat to his old rival Dimitrov at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In the 12th meeting between two veterans of the sport, and seven years after their last one, 19th seed Dimitrov registered only his fourth win over the Scot.
Murray wilted on the court upon which he won his first Grand Slam title in 2012, as he slipped to a heavy 6-3 6-4 6-1 defeat.
“I mean, it’s obviously disappointing to not play how you would like, you know?” said Murray, who has not made it past the third round of a major event since 2017.
“But maybe I need to accept that, these events, I had the deep runs and everything that I felt like I’m capable of, they might not be there, as well.
“So, you know, I’m aware what I’m doing, it’s unbelievably challenging to play at the highest level as I am now. And some days it’s harder than others.
“But yeah, today is obviously a really disappointing defeat and probably the manner of it as well. I mean, I fought hard enough, but just didn’t play well enough.
“You know, ultimately these are the events that you want to play your best tennis in and create more great moments, and I didn’t do that this year.”
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Dimitrov was full of respect for Murray after comfortably beating him at the US Open
Murray, who enjoyed a fairytale run to the third round at the Australian Open before losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set thriller at Wimbledon, has claimed lower-tier Challenger titles at Aix-en-Provence, Surbiton and Nottingham already this year, while he is currently ranked at No 37 in the world.
“I still enjoy everything that goes into playing at a high level. I enjoy the work. The training and trying to improve and trying to get better, I do still enjoy that and that’s what keeps me going,” continued the 36-year-old.
“If things change and I stop enjoying that or my results, my ranking and everything, if I start to go backwards in that respect, in a few months’ time I was ranked 60 in the world or whatever instead of moving up the way, things might change.”
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Tim Henman and Martina Navratilova analyse Dimitrov’s backhand during his victory against Murray
The US Open on Sky Sports: How and where to watch
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Watch the US Open live and exclusive on Sky Sports up until September 10. All courts will be available to watch for the first time
The US Open is back on Sky Sports with the promise to give fans live coverage of the Grand Slam like never before.
Sky welcomes tennis back to its channels, adding to the existing sports portfolio and reaffirming the broadcaster as the home of live sport in the UK & Ireland.
Sky Sports’ new mixed reality studio features multiple custom-built LED screens, integrated light ‘sabres’, and an open canopy roof, making the space alive with colour and energy to reflect the vibrancy of the last Grand Slam of the year.
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Relive Andy Murray’s rollercoaster career at the US Open, which saw him claim his maiden major title in 2012
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From Novak Djokovic to Iga Swiatek- it is time to meet the US Open champion contenders!
With integrated AR capabilities, a versatile LED floor, and a ‘fourth wall’, the viewer will be transported to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in a 360-degree immersive environment. Our tennis experts will take the viewer into the eyes of the players for expert Hawkeye analysis and insight as the tournament progresses.
The technology involved allows us to add an entirely new dimension and will bring customers closer to the action.
Highlights of matches will be available across Sky Sports TV and our social media platforms.
Video highlights will also be available on the Sky Sports website and app, where there will also be a daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports website and app, as well as live scores, reports, analysis and features.
Stream the US Open on Sky Sports with NOW for just £26 a month for 12 months. Cancel anytime.