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By Bill Scott in Cincinnati
Turn that heat down: Andy Murray struggled in CincinnatiIntense heat and an inspired opponent caught up with Andy Murray as the 2008 champion fell 6-7 6-1 7-6 in draining conditions to American Mardy Fish.
The Scot’s winning streak ended with his quarter-final loss at the Cincinnati Masters after almost three hours following a midday start Murray wanted to avoid.
He had asked officials for an evening game in cooler temperatures but was refused because Fish was also in the doubles and needed an early start.
‘They said that because Fish had to play doubles, they wanted us to play early,’ explained an exhausted Murray, who was leaning on his racket and struggling for breath near the end. ‘I don’t think matches should be scheduled around the doubles - it’s the singles which are on the TV.’
Losing it: Murray boils over as he crashes out to determined American Mardy FishA third 2010 victory for jubilant Fish, who beat Murray in Miami and at Queen’s Club, leaves the Briton with work to do before the start of the US Open on August 30.
The job at hand is even more pressing as Murray goes into his final grand slam preparation without the benefit of a coach, after last month’s split from Miles Maclagan.
Conditions were exhausting, and Murray was seen by the doctor in the second set and used icepacks on changeovers. It was Murray’s first defeat in eight matches, a run which included the Los Angeles final and the Toronto title.
‘I’m just tired, it is nothing more than that really,’ said Murray. ‘It will take a few days to return to fitness, not too long I would have thought.’
Murray started well as he and Fish stayed on serve and it eventually went to a tie-break. Fish took a 3-1 lead but Murray managed to haul him in to make it 3-3 and he eventually earned the set after 70 tiring minutes.
But the effort was wasted and Murray lost the next set 6-1 in just over half an hour. He rallied in the third to take it to a tie-break again, but Fish went through on his first match point against a spent opponent.
Pure delight: Mardy Fish celebrates after beating Andy MurrayMurray says he will be fully prepared when the US Open begins in nine days, despite not having a coach. He said: ‘There’s not really a huge difference, I’ve got the same physio and fitness trainer that I have all of the tournaments. I have my mum here helping with tactics and watching my opponents.
‘Most of the work you do with coaches is done in the off-weeks, like next week before the US Open, where you’ll practice certain things and set up the way you’re going to prepare. I haven’t really had too many weeks on my own since, so I haven’t felt much of a difference.’
* World No 1 Serena Williams has withdrawn from the US Open as she continues to recover from an injury to her right foot. The three-time former champion cut her foot on broken glass last month and it required surgery.
source :dailymail
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