Andy Murray’s painful hip finally caught up with him as the defence of his Wimbledon title came to an end with a quarter-final defeat by Sam Querrey.
The result might have been different had Murray capitalised on a lead in the second set but, although he won the third, the physical stress took its toll and the Scot fell to a 3-6 6-4 6-7 (4/7) 6-1 6-1 loss.
Murray must now hope Novak Djokovic does not win the title or he will lose his world number one ranking as well.
At a record 42nd attempt, Sam Querrey finally reaches a Grand Slam semi-final…#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/UXrSsCAKV3
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2017
The defeat is Murray’s worst ever at Wimbledon in terms of his opponent’s ranking, having previously never lost to a player ranked lower than world number 19 David Nalbandian, on his debut in 2005.
Querrey, ranked 28th, becomes the first American man to reach the semi-finals at a grand slam in singles since Andy Roddick here in 2009.
He has now accounted for the defending champion in each of the last two years at Wimbledon, after beating Djokovic in the third round last year.
For the 2nd straight year, Sam Querrey knocks out the defending champion at #Wimbledon
He stuns Andy Murray 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-1… pic.twitter.com/DayVkMfnvQ— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2017
Murray has downplayed the difficulties caused by his right hip, which threatened his participation in the tournament, since declaring himself fit for his title defence.
But after limping his way through four rounds he was found physically wanting and lost 12 of the last 13 games.
It was clear that, even had it made it through this one, Murray in this condition would not have been able to challenge for a third title.
"This is a dream come true – to be in the semi-finals at #Wimbledon makes it even more special"
– Sam Querrey pic.twitter.com/Yhzv6lYSGM— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2017
The Scot must now work on getting himself fully fit in time for the US Open in six weeks’ time after a season dogged by injury and illness.
Murray said: “The whole tournament I’ve been a little bit sore, but I tried my best right to the end and gave everything I had, so I’m proud about that, but obviously it’s disappointing to lose at Wimbledon.
“There was obviously an opportunity there, so I’m sad that it’s over.”
He said of continuing to play while hurting: “I knew I wasn’t going to do any major damage by playing on so I wanted to try to find a way. In the end it wasn’t the case.”
After the battle, both winner and loser sign autographs for the fans ????#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ad9559UDk9
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2017
Murray has not decided what to do next, bearing in mind the hip problem that needs to be addressed.
“Now I’ll sit down with my team and look at the next step, look a bit longer term,” he said.
“The US Open is six, seven weeks away, so I’ll sit down with my team tomorrow and come up with the plan for what I have to do next.”
#Querrey is 1st player to win 3 straight 5-setters at #Wimbledon since @TipsarevicJanko in 2007. Beat Tsonga, Anderson and Murray in 5 sets.
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) July 12, 2017
Asked if he might take an extended break, he said: “I don’t know. I’ll get the best advice I can and stick with that.
“If it means training and doing the rehab and stuff then I’ll do that.
“I’ve no idea what that’s going to be just now.”
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