Murray upbeat despite Nadal humbling
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain's Andy Murray was delighted to exceed his own expectations at the ATP event in Indian Wells, despite being demolished by top seed Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final.
The 21-year-old Scot had to withdrew from last month's Dubai Championships and a Davis Cup tie because of a virus and was not fully fit when he arrived in the California desert.
"I don't feel I'm that disappointed just now with how the week went because I wasn't expecting to do that well," Murray told reporters after losing 6-1 6-2 to world number one Nadal.
"I had some very good wins. I got a lot of the matches that I wasn't necessarily expecting.
"So going into Miami, I'm going to be better prepared than I thought," he added, referring to the second Masters Series event of the season.
"Obviously today was not my best day but I'll definitely get over it because I'm guessing I'm not going to play in those conditions each week."
Murray, who beat three-times champion Roger Federer in the semi-finals, struggled in tricky swirling winds on Sunday that continually blew dust around the stadium court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
"It was tough," the British world number four said after being swept aside in 80 minutes by Nadal.
"I haven't played in conditions as windy as that for quite a long time. Rafa dealt with it very well. He hit the ball cleaner and just seemed to get himself in better positions than I did."
Murray had high hopes going into Sunday's final, having beaten the Spaniard in their previous two encounters.
"The thing I always felt when I played him was that you get a chance to play your game because he does play with a lot of topspin," the 21-year-old Scot said.
"Early on in the rally, the ball sort of comes up to a nice height and you can move the ball around. But he moves very well, he's got a big forehand and he competes great.
"He's improved the rest of his game, he's using a bit more slice and coming to the net a little bit. He does everything quite well. He definitely deserved to win today."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments