Wimbledon 2009: Beaten Andy Murray promises to come back stronger
Date published :
03 Jul 2009 - 22:25:26
The Scot was beaten in his semi-final by Andy Roddick, who mouthed the word "sorry" to the stunned Centre Court crowd after completing a thoroughly deserved 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 victory.
The American now takes on Roger Federer in Sunday's final, ensuring that Bunny Austin's distinction of being the last British man to reach the Wimbledon final, in 1938, lives on for another year. Friday was the ninth time in a row that a Briton has fallen at the semi-final stage.
Related ArticlesRoddick's big shots too much for MurrayA-Rod gives Murray lesson in dictating pointsMurray momentsMen's final preview: Federer v RoddickSport on televisionWimbledon 2009: Roger Federer grand slam record wont be beaten, says Andy MurrayBut Murray said he would learn from his defeat and take the positives out of a tournament in which his play has captivated the nation and marked him out as a grand slam champion in waiting.
"I believe I can win a grand slam," said Murray, who believes the US Open could offer him his best opportunity. "Whether it's Wimbledon or the US Open or Australia or whatever, I'm going to give myself chances."
Roddick also predicted that Murray's time would come. "He's going to break through and win one of these titles, and probably numerous ones," said the American. "He's too good not to. In my mind, it's a matter of time. It's not if, but when."
In the past year, Murray has now reached a grand slam final, a semi-final and a quarter-final, but he was swept aside by the sheer quality of his opponent's play. Roddick's first-serve percentage was a remarkable 75 per cent.
"He served really, really well, very close to the lines," said Murray. "Hitting at that pace at such a high percentage, sometimes there's not a whole lot you can do with that."
Roddick now faces his third Wimbledon final against Federer, having lost their previous two meetings in 2003 and 2005. The Swiss has the extra incentive of chasing a record 15th grand slam title.
Murray will be just a spectator but he promised not to dwell on his defeat. "It's a pathetic attitude to have if you lose one match and you go away and let it ruin your year," he said.
