Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gordon Parks

Andy Murray pledges to return to Wimbledon despite thumping second round defeat

Andy Murray insists he's not done with Wimbledon despite being blasted off centre court in the second round for the first time in his career.

The two-time champion had little resistance to the sheer power of serve from the giant American John Isner who fired 36 aces on his way to a four set win. Asked whether he still believes he can compete at the highest level, the Scot was adamant he's not given a thought to hanging up his racket and he believes he could, and should have progressed at SW19 and this is not the end.

Murray said: "This year my game is in a better place. I could have had a good run here. It's one of those matches that had I managed to get through then who knows what could have happened. It depends on how I am physically and if I feel good then I'll try to keep playing. It's difficult to make long term predictions as who knows how I'll be in a few weeks time, never mind next year.

(AELTC/AFP via Getty Images)

"I wasn't undercooked in terms of match play, I didn't serve as well as I can and I'll never know why. I have played enough matches and I was ready to do well here. I don't know why tonight's match should change that view.

"John was serving extremely well which you'd expect. I missed one or two shots and when I had my opportunities, he served very well. He didn't give me lots of chances and I didn't get many off second serves.

"Most of the players on the tour will tell you that matches can be won or lost on a few points but I didn't play well enough on these points. These are difficult opponents to play against.

"It was frustrating as I was in a really good place and I felt good but I just couldn't get that win tonight.

"I have played many times against these players and have found a way to make enough returns to win the match.

"I've done well against him but you need to try and read the serve a bit better or guess a bit better but he served well.

"Last year was difficult for different reasons as I didn't feel like my game was in a position to do well."

It was a first success for the 37-year-old against the Scot at the ninth attempt and it was an imperious display to which Murray had few answers as he struggled to cope with the blistering service game which came his way.

Despite a brief show of resistance from Murray, who clawed himself back into contention by taking the third set after going two down, Isner dominated from start to finish to cap a night of frustration for Murray.

Isner's brilliant display was only bettered by his show of humility at the end as he showered praise on his beaten opponent and insists it's his greatest moment to finally get the better of one of the game's legends after eight failed previous attempts.

He said: "It is no secret I am not a better player than Murray, I may have just been a little better than him today. It was an incredible honour to play him. I need to relish these moments, this was one of the biggest wins of my career. To play as well as I did against one of the greatest players ever is a huge accomplishment for me.

"He is a massive inspiration for us in the locker room and we are lucky to still have him around. I had an incredible serving day and I needed every bit of it to beat him. This will be at the very top for me."

READ NEXT

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.