ATP Masters Cincinnati: Andy Murray sees a clear upward trend
Although Andy Murray was already in the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, the Scot leaves Ohio with his head held high.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Aug 20, 2021, 08:40 am
Especially in the first set in the duel with Hubert Hurkacz, Andy Murray had a lot of chances, with a score of 5: 4 even had two opportunities to win the first round. The former world number one, however, left it behind, had to accept the loss of a set and a little later also the loss of the match against a very strong Hurkacz.
Given the good performance, the anger about the defeat at Murray after the match was limited: "I think this week was pretty positive. I think I played a lot better than at Wimbledon and during the grass season," he said Bulkheads. The 34-year-old is particularly physically satisfied, even the aggressive hardcourts in the USA did not lead to any noteworthy physical complaints.
Murray gives reasons for retirement
Both potential reasons for the Scot's early retirement are currently not there: "If my body doesn't feel good, that's something that will affect my future, and if my tennis changes after a few months Somehow backward from the competition, that would be another sign for me that things are not the way I would like them to be, " said the three-time Grand Slam champion.
The last few days had shown the exact opposite in this regard: "But I don't see this week as a step backwards. My body felt good. The American hard courts are not easy for the body. Physically, I was a bit tired after a few long rallies but in terms of pain and discomfort, my body was really fine. "
Advance to the little things
When dealing with the basics, primarily physical fitness, of course, becomes less and less necessary, Murray can slowly turn to other, albeit important, things: "The most important thing for me is making decisions at important moments. Today there were a few things like For example, a ball on one of the set balls that I shouldn't have missed in the first set with a score of 5: 4, and then I came to the net with a few balls, which I regret a bit in the second set, and in the tie-break " declared the world number 105.
Murray will now continue to collect match practice before the Scots go to the US Open. As it became known on Thursday, the three-time Grand Slam winner will serve at the ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem before the last major tournament in Flushing Meadows. Where the upward trend that started in Cincinnati should of course continue.