In a similar manner to how Andy Murray was eliminated from Wimbledon, Matteo Berrettini of Italy defeated him on Friday night at the US Open. Even though the 35-year-old Scot forced a possible opening that may have forced a deciding set, he lost 6-4 6-4 6-7(1) 6-3. In the post-match press conference, Murray opened up about his struggles with injury and taking long injury breaks from the tour.

Both players were still trying to regain their form when they entered the third round of the US Open, but Berrettini ultimately succeeded in doing so, despite a late push from Murray. He defeated Murray by combining his devastating serve and forehand with soft, delicate touches all over the court, advancing him to the fourth round.

An emotional journey with lots of pain and grief

Murray made the decision to see the silver lining after losing to Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini on Friday in a marathon match lasting more than three and a half hours.

“I’ve got a metal hip. It’s not easy playing with that. It’s really difficult. I’m surprised I’m still able to compete with guys that are right up at the top of the game,” he said.

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He further went on to state that “Matches like this I’m really proud that I have worked myself into a position where I’m able to do that. I’m really disappointed that I didn’t get over the line today. But I get reminded like this is the first time you’ve made the third round here since 2016. It’s been six years. It’s been a difficult six years for me. It’s been really hard.”

Andy Murray and his injury woes 

A clearly distraught Murray said in a news conference in early 2019 that he was thinking of retiring before the Australian Open. Later that year, to put an end to the anguish, he underwent a second round of hip surgery and had a metal cap implanted.

More fitness issues developed later in the first half of 2021. And after testing positive for Covid-19, the athlete missed the Australian Open at first. He was then sidelined for three months by a groin ailment, but he competed at Wimbledon with a wildcard entry.

It just didn’t end there. He then couldn’t compete in the singles event at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a quadriceps strain. 

Considering everything, it’s been a tough 5-6 years for Andy Murray and nothing seems to be going his way. Do you think we will get to see a glimpse of old Murray back?