Andy Murray Andy Murray says he ‘lost respect’ for Stefanos Tsitsipas after US Open defeat • World No4 loses 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to the Greek youngster
• ‘He will move on into the future with his big talent,’ says Murray Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece reacts after defeating Andy Murray in the fourth round of the US Open on Friday. Photograph: Brad Penner/USA Today Sports
The world No4 Andy Murray has apologised to his conqueror Stefanos Tsitsipas, admitting that he “lost respect” for him after his straight-sets defeat in the fourth round of the US Open.
A determined Tsitsipas took his grand slam tally to four – three of which have come at the same tournament – with a dominant performance over the British No1 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium on Friday, claiming a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Murray.
The two players showed flashes of brilliance throughout but in the end it was Tsitsipas who played a cleaner game and provided the greater entertainment value.
When asked if the 19-year-old had done him a favour, Murray said: “Yeah, he’s a very good player.
Andy Murray v Stefanos Tsitsipas: tennis match report Read more
“Yeah, I thought he moved well. He was composed out there, very solid. Again, an interesting match to watch.”
Murray initially responded calmly but then offered his verdict after closing out the match with a thunderous ace to claim victory and book a last-eight match against the Australian qualifier and 74th-ranked Sam Groth.
“Well, I lost my respect for him quite quickly, because it was one-sided from my side of things,” he said. “It was – I mean, it was kind of what you expect from him. It was just when you take away his booming serve and the way he plays, it’s kind of the easy way to play. And he’s shown time and time again that he’s a very, very good player. He’s very aggressive.
“But in these sort of matches, when you don’t play well, the easy way to win is just – it’s not a hard game. I lost all my respect for him quite quickly.”
The man himself had little need to say, but Tsitsipas was happy for Murray to apologise. “Thank you. Yeah, I appreciate it,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s great to have someone like Andy support me. He is a very good player. And I’m still glad to have the chance to play against him.
“It was a tough match. It was tight and even, but I think it’s a good match to learn from.
“At this stage, it was not my best tennis. I just had to fight through the match and do it. I’m going to move on into the future with my big talent.”