With his niggling hip injury still bothering him, victory for Andy Murray was always going to be far-fetched. However the Scot, who is expected to retire later this year, decided that he was not going down without a fight.
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To be honest, fight was a bit of an understatement as he clawed his way back from 2 set down. Sadly, Roberto Bautista Agut held his nerve in two lost tie breaks to take the final set. The score read, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2 in the Spaniard’s favour.
When Bautista Agut went two sets ahead, everyone believed that it was all over. But then, Murray had other ideas and lived to fight on. He took the third set into a tiebreak and amazingly clinched it. Then, in the fourth set, he repeated the process again, taking it into a tiebreak and winning.
https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084787587267604486
Naturally, this gave off the impression that he was trying to play the long game and tire Agut out. But then, in the final set, he seemingly ran out of steam and was forced to settle for a score of 2-6. Inspite of the loss, Murray definitely won a lot of hearts and with the crowd egging him on, it was enough to instil some fighting spirit in Andy Murray.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Murray’s plucky display.
If this is to be Andy Murray's final farewell, what a way to bow out. (But we really, really, really, reallllllyyyyy hope we see you at Wimbledon, @andy_murray). #AusOpen #bbctennis bbc.in/2TQb8js
Andy Murray (🎥@Eurosport_RU )
"Maybe I'll see you again. I'll do everything possible."—Andy Murray
"I’ve honestly loved playing here over the years. It’s an amazing place to play tennis. I gave it everything, but it wasn’t my night" - @andy_murray #AusOpen
Reckon @andy_murray has been joshing with us. Marvellous stuff.
Come oooooooon Andy!
Can’t believe how tense it can be hitting refresh on the BBC live tennis feed. Come on Andy!! #bbctennis
Melbourne arena Erupts as Andy Murray grabs the fourth set! One set will decide his fate! #AusOpen
Best believe Andy Murray is leaving nothing on this court tonight. Dude can barely walk between points. Champion. #AusOpen
https://twitter.com/KathShez/status/1084782296685862920
What a sad end of a terrific career for Andy Murray. Hopping around, serving at 1-f in the final set with thunderous applause from the crowd. They're not going to stop. #AusOpen
Agony watching Andy murray in the Agut match. Thank goodness Judy has Jaime Murray next to her. Not time for tears YET