Andy Murray's latest Week 1 exit at a Grand Slam tournament did not discourage him. The three-time major champion still thinks he can go toe-to-toe with the best in men's tennis even after two hip operations, even as the years without a trip past the third round at any of the sport's biggest events stretch on.
After bowing out at that stage of the U.S. Open with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (1), 6-3 loss across more than 3 1/2 hours against 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini on Friday, Murray chose to look on the bright side.
"I have got a metal hip. It's not easy playing with that. It's really difficult. I'm surprised I'm still able to compete with guys that are right up at the top of the game," the 35-year-old Murray said, resting his head on his left hand.
"Matches like this, I'm really proud that I have worked myself into a position where I'm able to do that. I'm really disappointed that I didn't get over the line today. But I get reminded, like, This is the first time you've made the third round here since 2016.' It's been six years. It's been a difficult six years for me," he said.
Berrettini, a big hitter who reached the 2019 semifinals at Flushing Meadows, dominated in just about every statistical way at Arthur Ashe Stadium, hours before 23-time Grand Slam title winner Serena Williams was eliminated by Ajla Tomljanovic with a 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 loss in what was expected to be her final match.
Williams, who turns 41 this month, still didn't definitely say her career was over. But her tearful thanks to her parents, older sister Venus and fans afterward made it sound that way.
"It has been a fun ride. It has been the most incredible ride and journey I have ever been on in my life," Williams said.
Coco Gauff, an 18-year-old American who reached the final at the French Open in June, made it to the fourth round at the US Open for the first time with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Madison Keys, the 2017 runner-up in New York and seeded 20th this year.
