13 July,2017 09:13 AM IST | London | PA Sport
Defending champ and World No. 1 Andy Murray's hip hurts again as he goes down to American Sam in quarter-final
Andy Murray winces in pain during his quarter-final defeat to USA's Sam Querrey yesterday. Pics/AFP
Andy Murray's painful hip finally caught up with him as the defence of his Wimbledon title came to an end with a quarter-final defeat by Sam Querrey.
The result might have been different had Murray capitalised on a lead in the second set but, although he won the third, the physical stress took its toll and the Scot fell to a 3-6 6-4 6-7 (4/7) 6-1 6-1 loss.
Worst defeat for Murray
The defeat is Murray's worst ever at Wimbledon in terms of his opponent's ranking, having previously never lost to a player ranked lower than World No. 19 David Nalbandian, on his debut in 2005.
Querrey, ranked 28th, becomes the first American man to reach the semi-finals at a Grand Slam in singles since Andy Roddick here in 2009. He has now accounted for the defending champion in each of the last two years at Wimbledon, after beating Djokovic in the third round last year.
USA's Sam Querrey celebrates after beating Andy Murray in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon
Hip injury crops up again
Murray has downplayed the difficulties caused by his right hip, which threatened his participation in the tournament, since declaring himself fit for his title defence. But after limping his way through four rounds he was found physically wanting and lost 12 of the last 13 games. It was clear that, even had it made it through this one, Murray, in this condition, wouldn't be able to challenge for a third title. The Scot must now work on getting fully fit in time for the US Open in six weeks' time after a season dogged by injury and illness.
"I have had a problem with the hip for a long time. It's sore. I tried my best. It's disappointing to lose. It was an opportunity. I'm sad it's over."
