Washington wipeout hits Murray morale

Andy Murray had hoped to start his US Open run-up this week with at least an opening victory in Washington.

Instead, the three-time Grand Slam champion will just have to continue his fightback to form from a deficit position, with morael at a low ebb after losing this week in the first round. 

The 35-year-old who has lifted his ATP ranking back to 50th after his seasons of injury problems, is struggling to find his motivation.

“Right now I don’t see too many positives. I got to Washington early to prepare as best I could, to give myself a chance to play well. I feel like I could have done better.”

Murray will now bear down in training and work to improve stamina with the Masters 1000 date in Canada set for next week.

“The only positive aspect right now is that I have more time to prepare for Canada,” the three-time Grand Slam champion said.

“If I can deal with the physical issue that I have had in the last two tournaments, that would be quite positive. I need to do it soon, because the conditions are also difficult in Canada, Cincinnati or New York.”

The Scot is also hoping to earn a US Open seeding but needs to pass a few stern tests in the coming weeks.

“I would need a good tournament in Canada or Cincinnati. It’s quite simple: if I got a quarter-final or a semi-final at any of these tournaments, I’d get it.

“The problem is that, right now, this doesn’t seem too realistic.”