Emotional Andy Murray says he may play his final Wimbledon game on Friday after hopes for a third round were dashed. The two-time champion spoke of his frustration after being beaten by fifth-seeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in five sets as temperatures soared to 29 degrees. Ten years after winning his first Wimbledon title, the 36-year-old Andy Murray waved as he left Center Court to thunderous applause and a standing ovation. In his post-match interview, the dejected player told reporters: “Obviously I’m very disappointed. Obviously, you never know how many chances you have to play here. Losses can feel a little more difficult.
Asked if he was confident he would be back next year, Andy Murray said: “I don’t know. Motivation is obviously a big thing. Having an early loss in tournaments like this doesn’t necessarily help it. It’s the same as last year. I thought about things for a long time, talked to my family and decided to continue. I won’t stop now. But it takes some time to get over it. Hopefully, I will find the motivation again to continue training, work harder and improve myself all the time.“
Tsitsipas describes his epic encounter with Andy Murray
In his on-court interview, Tsitsipas described the match that lasted four hours and 40 minutes, which he won 7-6 (3), 6-7 (2), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 . . , “nerve corrosive“. He paid tribute to the determination of his opponent, who has a metal hip and is 11 years his senior. “It’s never easy against Andy. Everyone loves him here,” he said. “It was a very tough game and I’m very impressed with his stamina because he’s been on the tour for so many years and he’s had two hip operations. I’m very impressed with his level.“
Tsitsipas, who reached the final of the Australian Open in January, will now face Serbian Laszlo Djere in the third round. Murray was supported by his wife Kim Sears and mother Judy, while 18-time Grand Slam winner Martina Navratilova watched from the royal box. The crowd was firmly behind him and shouted, “Come on, Andy.”
Wimbledon Hill was packed with fans eager to see the pair’s second-round matches. Due to the 23rd curfew, it was moved to 22:40 on Thursday when Andy Murray led from two sets to one. The delay came minutes after Andy Murray slipped and let out a loud scream as he appeared to injure his groin. After struggling to stand, he was able to close the set. In a press conference on Friday, Murray said he asked not to be placed last on Center Court, which often results in matches being delayed or interrupted because the roof has to be closed. Murray played under a closed roof on Thursday and in blazing sunshine on Friday. When asked if the games should start earlier to avoid such disruptions, he replied that Wimbledon had a decision to make.
British number one and 12th seed Cameron Norrie, who was knocked out by American Christopher Eubanks in the second round, and Liam Broady, who was defeated by Denis Shapovalov in the third round, were also disappointed. Elsewhere, world number one Carlos Alcaraz prevailed, defeating Frenchman Alexandre Müller in straight sets and reaching the third round.
