Andy Murray’s US Open campaign ended by shrewd Fernando Verdasco

Shahida Jacobs
Fernando Verdasco pointing

Andy Murray’s 2018 US Open journey came to an end in the second round as he went down against Fernando Verdasco.

After coming through a four-set match against James Duckworth in the first round, Murray always knew that the Spaniard would be a tougher opponent.

And it was a titanic battle from start to finish with Verdasco winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in just under three and a half hours.

Both players struggled to hold their serve in the opening two sets with Verdasco edging the breaks 3-2 to take set one and Murray taking it 3-1 in the second.

However, the 31st seed turned the screws in the third set as he started to take charge by making full use of the court as Murray started to labour.

Verdasco raced into a 4-1 lead with two breaks and then closed it out on his own serve.

The visibly tired Murray battled on bravely in the fourth set, but Verdasco continued to produce smart tennis and the decisive moment came in game seven as he broke to love to go 4-3 up.

Murray fashioned five break points and saved a couple of match points in the ninth game. Verdasco was certainly feeling the tension as he was given a time violation, but the Spaniard held his nerve and eventually served it out.

Next up for Verdasco, who won against Murray for only the second time in 15 matches, is Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Denis Kudla.

Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie also crashed out as the Brit lost 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 against Dusan Lajovic.

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