Andy Murray’s shock semi-final defeat to Milos Raonic at the Japan Open yesterday raised the same questions many thought had been answered by his Olympic gold medal and last month’s US Open triumph.
Anguish etched across his face, the world No. 3 crashed out 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4) against the big-serving Canadian to lose his Tokyo title.
The slouching, hang-dog demeanor, wild-eyed screaming and racquet abuse were a flashback to the bad old days before he got his mental game under control and a Grand Slam under his belt.
Photo: AFP
Murray came into the event as the hottest player in the men’s game, having reached his first Wimbledon final, exacted revenge on Roger Federer to win Olympic gold in London and captured a maiden Grand Slam title.
However, the demons that haunted him in losing his first four major finals resurfaced in Tokyo.
Murray blew a 4-1 lead in the third set and then two match points with Raonic serving at 6-5 down, triggering a furious tantrum from the Scot.
“There was always going to be a bit of residue from the last few months,” Murray said. “Ideally, I wouldn’t have liked to start the match like that.”
After blowing away the cobwebs by beating Ivo Karlovic in his opening game, Murray had said becoming a member of the Grand Slam club had made him a more “responsible” player.
“I was so obsessed with winning a Grand Slam, sometimes in certain matches I haven’t done myself justice,” the world No. 3 said.
“I felt after the US Open [I needed to] reset some goals. I was always focusing on the next Grand Slam, rather than every tournament and every match I played. “Now I feel like I can hopefully concentrate better, take more responsibility for my performances in every tournament throughout the year.”
It failed to pan out that way in his first event since ending Britain’s 76-year wait for a men’s grand slam singles champion.
Murray, who beat Raonic 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth round of the US Open last month, had been accused of choking in the past, particularly after his first four Grand Slam finals.
It would be harsh to throw that accusation at Murray after losing a semi-final in his first event since New York, but the way his game fell apart will worry him.
Murray tied to put it down to a few missed points, but he allowed Raonic to bully him early, winning just 20 percent of his second serve points in the first set.
“He started the match well and I was slow to get off the mark,” the 25-year-old said. “That made it tough for me.”
One of the game’s best counter-punchers, Murray sprayed makeable shots all over the Tokyo center court, struggling to keep his temper in check as his game unraveled.
The Scot said he would quickly put things right in Shanghai.
“I need to focus on Shanghai — it’s a big tournament,” Murray said. “The Paris and then the [year-ending] Tour Finals in London. That’s the main goal.”
Losing his Tokyo title might bring perspective and given him the wake-up call he needs after New York.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely