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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*Murray 5-7 3-2 Verdasco (* denotes next server)
The ideal response from Murray - gutsy and determined, he forces an error from Verdasco to break.
Murray 5-7 4-2 Verdasco* (* denotes next server)
It might be daft to assume anything in a contest as open as this one, but it looks like Murray, though his body language suggests he's a little jaded, is in control somewhat now.
He's exhibited real agility - you wouldn't think he was coming back from injury - and he's used the cross-court angle well, winning a lot of points.
And he holds the serve here.
*Murray 5-7 5-2 Verdasco (* denotes next server)
First double fault of the second set is a costly one for Verdasco: he twice watches his serve cannon into the net as Murray takes the second set.
Murray is growing stronger with every passing game, and he tortured Verdasco for a period there with a cat-and-mouse run of drop shots.
Will that have unearthed Verdasco a little? We talked about this being a mental test.
Which it is for me, anyway. It's past my bedtime. Gonna be a long one, this. Grab your PJs.
Murray takes the second set
Murray 5-7 6-2 Verdasco* (* denotes next server)
Murray 5-7 6-2 0-0 Verdasco* (* denotes next server)
There's an overrule in this one from the chair judge - these wafer-thin margins are important in a game as taut as this one, and Murray's delivery is out - but the highlight comes from Verdasco's sumptuous return at 15-30.
He slips initially, but responds to Murray's lofted delivery with a lovely dink that catches the Scot unawares.
From then, it's just a formality as the Spaniard breaks the serve.
*Murray 5-7 5-2 0-1 Verdasco (* denotes next server)
Murray did look a little jaded earlier, and, to be honest, he doesn't look great.
Verdasco catches him flat-footed for the first point and he can't get there quick enough as Verdasco cruises to 15-30.
The Spaniard hands Murray a lifeline as he smacks a clunky forehand into the net, but the result was never in doubt as Verdasco clinches his second of the set.
Murray will have to hold this next serve - he doesn't want to go two breaks down at this stage.
Murray 5-7 6-2 0-2 Verdasco* (* denotes next server)
Murray, looking as tired as I'm sure most of us are feeling at this late hour, dominates to hold - it's significant, too, given how brightly Verdasco started this set, and he navigates this with ease at 40-15.
Katy Perry's California Gurls booms out over the PA, and I wish, wish I knew that song well enough to make some sort of pun. It's late.
*Murray 5-7 6-2 1-2 Verdasco (* denotes next server)
This next one could tell us a lot - most importantly, how long Murray might be out here tonight.
Verdasco's played with real power, but you wonder if he'll be able to keep that intensity up for much longer. He'll probably have to adapt, in all honestly, and figure out a new way to be successful.
That said, he's doing alright here - it's a swift demolition of Murray, and his backhand drive across the court bounces over the line to leave Murray for dead.
Then it's just a matter of successfully challenging to seal the game.
Murray didn't even make a dent in that serve. He couldn't muster anything. He's only won two points in total in this set when Verdasco's been serving.
Murray 5-7 6-2 1-3 Verdasco* (* denotes next server)
Not sure if it's the heat or the hip, but Murray's - fatigue? Tiredness? I don't know - is looking increasingly apparent and increasingly influential.
Verdasco is taking no prisoners and he coasts to a double break with ease.
Think of the children, Verdasco.
*Murray 5-7 6-2 1-4 Verdasco (* denotes next server)
Murray is trailing substantially now - but, he'll be relieved to know, a heat break looms on the horizon. He can take one after this set and do whatever he wants to do: sushi, slushies, check his emails.
He's probably reached a point where he needs to start taking a few more risks - but it's hard in the face of such obvious lethargy. He has very little to lose at two breaks down, and responds by opening his shoulders and hitting a sublime shot to haul himself back to 15-15.
More about skill than style, now - we've seen some lovely flicks here - and he's on the brink of a break as his forehand drags him to 40-15.
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