Top
Andy Murray talking to Feliciano Lopez

Andy Murray ‘regrets’ US Open decision and expresses frustration at tournament bosses


Andy Murray has appeared to aim a little criticism at the organisers of the US Open as he expressed regret at his decision to refuse a wildcard for the men’s singles.

Murray has opted to sit out the US Open singles despite being offered a route into the main draw – but he does’t seem all that happy about it.

Speaking after his Cincinnati Master defeat to Richard Gasquet, Murray explained that he felt the decision was taken out of his hands by a restrictive deadline imposed by US Open bosses.

ā€œWe were hoping to maybe hold a wild card until a little bit closer to the time to see how I feel and get some matches hopefully and a bit of practice,” he said as he confirmed he would not be taking the wildcard.

He has now elaborated on that, and again suggested that had he had more time to properly assess his condition after his singles return, it may have gone a different way.

ā€œWhen I woke up, I was like ā€“ I want to play three-set matches,” he told BBC Sport.

“I could maybe test myself there, and if I got through qualifying that might show that Iā€™m ready to play there. But too late, unfortunately.ā€

Andy Murray will, though, still look to take part in the doubles at the US Open, and is on the lookout for partners in both the men’s and mixed competitions.

ā€œItā€™s not easy to find anyone at this late notice,” he admitted when asked if he had partners lined up,” but Iā€™m sure weā€™ll get someone.”

His partner for the men’s won’t be Feliciano Lopez, with whom Murray won Queen’s doubles earlier this summer.

Lopez has been asked by Spain’s Davis Cup captain to team with Pablo Carreno Busta at Flushing Meadows instead.

“Unfortunately he’s taken,” Murray confirmed, “and a lot of the players have partners now,” Murray added.

Look ahead to the rest of 2019 with our guides to every tournament on theĀ ATP TourĀ and theĀ WTA Tour.Ā If you canā€™t visit the tournaments you love then do the next best thing andĀ read our guide on how to watch all the ATP Tour matches on television in 2019.Ā To read more amazing articles like this you can exploreĀ Tennishead magazine hereĀ or you canĀ subscribe for free to our email newsletter here


Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.