Andy Murray loses to Fernando Verdasco in US Open second round – as it happened
Andy Murray was knocked out in the second round of the US Open in New York
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Andy Murray faced one of his toughest challenges yet on his comeback from hip surgery as he took on No 31 seed Fernando Verdasco in the second round of the US Open.
The former world No 1 played down his chances of winning a second title at Flushing Meadows as he looks to continue his gradual return to action, and after beating Australian James Duckworth in the first round, his reward was a tricky task against the current world No 32.
Murray has played higher-ranked opposition since returning to action – most notably his fellow Briton Kyle Edmund – but this was his first Grand Slam back since Wimbledon last year. Verdasco will now take on either Denis Kudla or former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the third round.
Re-live the live action below...
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Andy Murray cried on his return to tennis - and it's so refreshing to see him back on the stage where he belongs.
Murray brought guts, thunder and grit to his victory over James Duckworth in round one.
And he's facing off against a real showman in Fernando Verdasco - the action lies just a few minutes away now.
Former British number one Greg Rusedski has been speaking to Amazon Prime, and he's optimistic when it comes to Andy's chances.
"I think his mindset will be very good," he said. "He likes playing lefties, he likes playing Verdasco. He's got a great record and all of the pressure is on Verdasco.
"This is a defining match for Andy Murray, one of the biggest matches of his comeback."
Rusedski says it's so hot "you can hardly breathe" in the stadium - and, in an iconic turn of phrase, describes Verdasco as "like a bowl of liquorice: sometimes they're good, and sometimes they're not".
Liquorice is never good. It's all lies.
They're knocking up now.
Here's Andy. Palms are sweaty, knees hip weak, arms are heavy...
In all seriousness, the inner strength Murray has shown during his recovery has shown real class, and just how much love he has for his sport. His movements during the early stages could be a key indicator of how today could go.
Just been informed, in arguably the most important live text update of the day, that Fernando Verdasco and his wife got married on the Isle of Mystique.
No Isle of Fernando's fun there. Sigh.
Anyway, let the Murray meet the Verdasco - they're underway.
Andy's record against left-handed players is really favourable - he's only lost once to Fernando Verdasco.
The only leftie who's beaten Andy multiple times is, of course, Rafa Nadal. Kryptonite.
Murray 1-0 Verdasco*
After dictating the first point, Murray takes it.
Verdasco pulls it back to 30-30 but Murray is on hand with a serve that spins down to the tee to take the final point - and the first game.
Verdasco left that delivery - but the TV came to Murray's aid.
Murray* 1-1 Verdasco
Some neat tennis from Verdasco gives him the second game.
Murray 1-1 Verdasco*
It's been cagey, so far - both players have given away cheap points with a slew of forced errors, which is uncharacteristic of both of them.
Verdasco is trying to drift into the backhand corner but Murray is equally set on pinning his opponent in the middle. Murray's shot brushes against the byline and it looks long - and Verdasco has challenged...
Successfully - Murray leads 15-30.
Murray 1-2 Verdasco*
A phenomenal forehand from Verdasco breaks Murray and gives him the third game - which means Murray has a lot to think about now.
We know the Scot is a great thinker - and he might be tested early on.
*Murray 1-2 Verdasco
Verdasco is being ruthlessly clinical here - he's won nine of the last ten points.
Just as he closes in on a third game, Murray recovers, pulls it back to 30-30 - and drops the racket after a 26-shot rally.
Verdasco's forehand called out - the Spaniard challenges the delivery but it's miles out. He's got one challenge remaining and Murray leads the game 40-30.
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