By Anshu Taneja
Grigor Dimitrov overcame a 3-8 head-to-head record to beat 2012 champion Andy Murray in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 and reach the third round of the US Open.
The 32-year-old Bulgarian, who reached the semi-finals in 2019, persisted with heavy slice throughout the match and gave the Scot constant problems in the baseline rallies. A natural counter-puncher, the low balls presented Murray with continuous difficulties as he was unable to inject pace and dictate play. He was under pressure throughout – facing fourteen breakpoints and ending with a huge 45 unforced errors and just 16 winners.
“I created lots of chances on the return and didn’t break serve enough; I didn’t serve well,” a frustrated Murray reflected during his press conference.
“I think I got broken at the beginning of every set so could never sort of get any scoreboard pressure really. Then the times when I did sort of get back into sets or broke back, I just didn’t play well enough.”
Although they hadn’t played since the 2016 Beijing final, Dimitrov won nine of the first ten points in the match and finally won an epic first set 6-3 after a marathon 63 minutes. He had clearly worked on his gameplan with his coaches Dani Vallverdu and Jamie Delgado – both of whom at one point were in Murray’s corner. In a sign of things to come, the 19th seed made it a very physical match – the first four games lasted 47 minutes – and was prepared to go the distance against his 36-year-old opponent who has fought back from multiple hip injuries to now be ranked inside the top forty.
However, Murray’s poor performance was complete with his seventh double fault which ended the two hours and 46-minute contest.
“It’s obviously disappointing to not play how you would like,” Murray commented. “But maybe I need to accept that in these events (Grand Slams), I had the deep runs and everything that I felt like I’m capable of, they might not be there (anymore), as well.”
“It’s unbelievably challenging to play at the highest level as I am now. Some days it’s harder than others. Today is a really disappointing defeat and probably the manner of it as well. I mean, I fought hard enough but I didn’t play well enough.”
After exiting New York, Murray has indicated that he may not take part in his country’s upcoming Davis Cup ties later this year. Claiming that there are ‘other guys who deserve to play ahead of him.’ As for his career, the former world No.1 has implied that if he fails to make progress in the coming months, it could lead him in the direction of retirement.
“If things change and I stop enjoying (the Tour) or my results, my ranking and everything … if I start to go backward in that respect, things might change.” He concluded.
In contrast, Dimitrov, who is enjoying one of his best years on tour, stayed in numerous rallies with his athletic ability and now goes on to play German Alexander Zverev who battled past countryman Daniel Altmaier in almost four brutal hours.
