Andy Murray’s hopes of a deep run at the US Open were dashed as the former champion suffered a second-round exit at the hands of an inspired Grigor Dimitrov.
Murray, the 2012 champion, slumped to defeat against Bulgarian 19th seed Dimitrov with Britain’s former world No 1 a shadow of his old self in a disappointing 6-3 6-4 6-1 loss.
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Dimitrov was full of praise for Murray but the Bulgarian now has high hopes of replicating his run to the semi-finals in 2019
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.
A ding-dong of a first set, including two brutal 15-minute games, was poised at 3-3 with almost an hour played and the match was shaping up to be another Murray marathon.
Murray had lost eight points in a row to slip behind but hit back after an astonishing get from a 36-year-old with a metal hip, retrieving a net cord by deftly angling the ball away from Dimitrov.
He continued his run past the net post and into Dimitrov’s side of the court, where the Bulgarian clapped his opponent before both tapped rackets.
That was where the niceties ended, though, and Murray’s hopes quickly went south.
He came up with an absolute stinker of a service game, two double-faults and two unforced errors gifting Dimitrov the set and the momentum.
Murray was broken again at the start of the second and his shoulders slumped even further when his solitary chance to break back drifted wide.
The constant chuntering to his team was getting less and less cordial and, at 4-1 down in the third, he gestured to them that the match was over as a contest.
The three-time Grand Slam champion was proved to be right two games later as another attempt to challenge in the later rounds of a Grand Slam fell well short.
“I’m very happy with the performance today. I was expecting, honestly, five sets,” said Dimitrov after his win. “I was trying to constantly remind myself I was here for the long haul.
“I’ve played Andy multiple times. He’s a tremendous competitor, an amazing guy as well.”
Henman: Grigor’s game plan was perfect
“Disappointing. First and foremost for him, and for us because we all wanted to follow him on a great run,” said former British No 1 Tim Henman on Sky Sports Tennis.
“But a massive amount of credit goes to Grigor. He came out with a specific game plan, using the sliced backhand a lot and giving Murray no pace to work with.”
Tale of the Tape
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.