Andy Murray eliminated from ATP World Tour Finals after defeat by Stan Wawrinka
Saturday 21 November 2015 11:03, UK
Andy Murray failed to reach the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals after a frustrating straight sets defeat to Stan Wawrinka at The O2.
The British No 1 wastefully let a lead slip away in the opening tie-break and then spurned a break point as Wawrinka served out a 7-6 6-4 win to secure a semi-final with Roger Federer on Saturday.
Any doubts about Murray's determination to stay in the tournament would have been dismissed by a typically gritty display from the Scot, but he was left to count the cost of 30 unforced errors as he exited in the group stages.
Both men energetically pursued break points in the early stages and Murray brought up his first after scampering to send over a stretching forehand winner, but the stubborn Wawrinka stood firm.
It was then the Scot's turn to fend off a break point, holding his serve with a blistering backhand, but he would be broken at 3-4 down following an overhit return.
Murray has made a habit of breaking back in the next service game and it was no surprise when he achieved this feat, seizing the break from a thrilling rally.
He seemed to carry this momentum into the tie-break, forging a 4-2 lead, but errors continued to hinder his progress and Wawrinka clawed his way back before Murray handed over the set with a misjudged lob.
A deflated Murray was broken again at the start of the second set and would have been forgiven for thinking of the upcoming Davis Cup final as Wawrinka sauntered towards the semis with a second break.
But the Brit is never short of battling spirit and snatched back a break when the Swiss player visibly tightened up while serving for the match.
Wawrinka stuttered again at 5-4 up, handing over a break point to instill hope of a miraculous Murray recovery, but yet more rash returns from the world No 2 gifted match points to his relieved opponent.
With his frustrations boiling over, Murray smashed his racquet and his hopes of a weekend appearance were also shattered as he blundered his backhand wide.
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