Five-time runner-up Andy Murray has bowed out of his final Australian Open after falling short in a thrilling 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(4), 6-2, loss to Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round.
Walking onto the Melbourne Arena, Murray knew that this was the start of the end. Blighted by a hip injury for almost two years, he announced on Friday that the Australian Open could be his final tournament. Nevertheless, the fiery Brit battled from the onset against a player he had previously never lost a set against on the tour. Illustrating some gutsy resistance during a roller coaster encounter, which lasted beyond four hours.
“Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so much to everybody that came out tonight.” An emotional Murray said after the match.
“I’ve honestly loved playing here over the years. It’s an amazing place for tennis. If this was my last match, it was an amazing way to end.”
“I gave literally everything I had. It wasn’t enough tonight,. But congratulations to Roberto and his team.” He added.
A series of pulsating rallies highlighted the opening set with some blistering shots from both players. Drawing cheers from the animated pro-Murray crowd. Eight games went by on serve before Bautista Agut inflicted his first blow. A carefully crafted backhand drop shot from the Spaniard followed by a Murray forehand error granted him the break for 5-4. Then in the blink of an eye, the opening set was closed out with a love service game.
It was visible that Murray’ movement on the court was restricted. Ironically, he seemed to experience more difficulty walking then running in what is a common trend for those with hip problems. Amid the commotion, Bautista Agut stuck to his game plan and remained focused on himself instead of what was going on across the court. Cruising through the second set against his rapidly deteriorating rival, who produced more and more errors. Serving for the two-sets lead, the 30-year-old sealed it with the help of a ace out wide.
Down a break once again in the third, Murray finally managed to fight back. A 24-shot rally concluded with a backhand slice winner from the Brit at the net to enable him to level at 2-2. Breaking Bautista Agut for the first time in the match and bringing the crowd to their feet in admiration of his efforts.
The comeback attempt
The warrior-like resistance from Murray electrified the crowd as he pressed to take the match into a fourth frame. Narrowly missing out on doing so when leading 5-4 after hitting a shot at the net. Murray’s patience and perseverance eventually paid off in the tiebreaker when he roared to a 6-4 lead before a heavy-hitting forehand rewarded him the third set.
Gaining in momentum, adrenaline took over as the previously limping Murray ran around the court with the same speed and tenacity as he did 10 years ago. Battling hard and frustrating his opponent, Murray’s unlikely comeback continued as he forced a decider to the disbelief of many.
Despite the valiant attempt, it was not to be for the ailing British player. Three games into the decider, Bautista Agut secured the break when a Murray shot ploughed into the net. That sole game proved pivotal to the match as the world No.24 closed in on ending his opponent’s Australian Open career. Securing the memorable victory with a deep forehand that drew the error.
“Today was an incredible night. Andy deserved this atmosphere, he deserved all the people that came here (to Melbourne) to watch him.” Bautista Agut said in a tribute.
“It was a unbelievable match, really good fight. He’s a tough opponent. He gave everything until the last point. I want to congratulate him on everything he has done for tennis.”
Following the conclusion of the match, a special presentation was conducted to mark Murray’s career. A recorded video was played on the big screen showing tributes from players such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki. Murray has won 45 ATP titles, including three at grand slam level. He is the only player to defend an Olympic title in the history of tennis and the only British man to have won Wimbledon in the Open Era.
“I don’t really have anything else to say. Thank you to everyone here supporting me. Maybe I’ll see you again… I’ll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again, I’ll need to have a big operation where there’s no guarantees. I’ll give it my best shot!” He concluded.
The Australian Open was Murray’s 48th appearance in the main draw of a grand slam since 2005. In Melbourne, he has won 48 out of 61 matches played since making his debut back in 2006. In terms of match wins, he is the joint-fifth most successful player in the Open Era at the tournament.
NO YOU'RE CRYING 😭😭😭 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/h7SyUMcVcY
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