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Diego Schwartzman Downs Former Champion Andy Murray at ATP Antwerp 2021

Published 10/21/2021, 3:38 PM EDT

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via Reuters

After a challenging first-round exit at US Open, Andy Murray has made multiple appearances on the tour in a short duration. The three-time Grand Slam champion was competing at the ATP Antwerp Open. In the round of 32, Murray showed great resilience to overcome the American, Frances Tiafoe in an exciting three-set match which went to the tie-breaker in all three sets.

However, in his next match against second seed Diego Schwartzman, the Brit lost in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(8-6). Schwartzman dominated against Murray right from the start of the match. As a result, Murray’s run of spirited performances but disappointing results continues.

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Andy Murray eliminated from European Open

Andy Murray entered the European Open after tumbling against Alexander Zverev in the third round of Indian Wells. In his first round in Belgium, Murray downed Tiafoe in three sets.

Following his victory, he faced the Argentinian Diego Schwartzman in the Round of 16. Despite hitting 8 aces and winning breakpoints, Murray was unable to get past Schwartzman. Though Murray is participating in every competition lately, he has not been able to display his A-level game.

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USA Today via Reuters

Throughout the match, Schwartzman looked in total control of the match. Although trailing behind in the first set, the Argentinian kept his composure to clinch the first set as well as the second. The final score recorded was 6-4, 7-6(8-6).

Diego received a bye for the first round and the second seed will face off against the winner of the ongoing encounter between Brandon Nakashima and Henri Laaksonen.

Diego Schwartzman wanted to face Murray since 2019

In a video shared by the European Open just ahead of their match, Diego Schwartzman talked about his long-lasting dream of facing Andy Murray. In January 2019, the former World No. 1 announced that he would possibly be retiring after the Wimbledon championships. When asked about whom he would love to face from the retired players, Schwartzman picked the Brit.

USA Today via Reuters

He stated, “I’m not sure about Andy Murray if he’s going to play just the last match at Wimbledon or not. But I didn’t play against him so I want to play against him one time maybe before, we hope before the retirement.”

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As Schwartzman played Murray at European Open, his long-lasting dream was fulfilled. Moreover, he also registered a straight-set victory against the former World No. 1, which would have definitely boosted up his confidence ahead of his quarter-final contest.

“Tennis Is Still My Passion”: Andy Murray Reveals Motivation to Play the Sport

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Written by:

Atri Bhatt

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Atri Bhatt is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. He is pursuing his Master's degree in Sports Management from Deakin University, Australia. In addition to critically analysing the game, he also plays tennis professionally.
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