Murray: 'I Have Not Let Anyone Down'

Andy Murray’s hopes of passing Novak Djokovic atop the Emirates ATP Race to London suffered a setback on Wednesday with a five-set upset to Kei Nishikori on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The second seed was in the driver’s seat to claim his eighth victory from nine FedEx ATP Head2Head encounters with the Japanese World No. 6 when he surged to a two-sets-to-one lead. 

But the Japanese star, a US Open finalist in 2014, had other ideas, racing through the fourth set before closing it out for a narrow 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 result.

“Obviously I was in a good position up a set and a break and chances at the beginning of the fourth set, as well,” Murray said. “I could have won the match for sure.

“It happens sometimes … I have won a lot over the last few months, but couldn’t quite get it going my way today.”

Murray stood to pass Djokovic in the Emirates ATP Race for No. 1 had he gone on to win his second US Open and had the Serbian failed to reach the final.  He came into the match with a 26-1 record since finishing runner-up to Djokovic at Roland Garros. While disappointed, the Scot denied his run of success had taken its toll.

“I felt all right today. Kei has played a lot of tennis, as well, over the last few months,” Murray said. “This slam in particular – I think for all of the players, especially the ones that have done well over the summer period on the hard courts – it’s a tough one.”

He leaves New York City satisfied with his US summer campaign. A trip home to Glasgow for Davis Cup is next before he continues his quest to close the gap on the one man ranked above him.

“I have not let anyone down,” Murray said. “I tried my best. I fought as hard as I could with what I had today.

“I pushed myself as hard as I could over the last few months, and I’m very proud of how I have done. If someone had offered me the summer that I have had before Wimbledon, I probably would have signed for that.”