Gutted Murray says 'I'm sorry' to British fans

• Source: Global Times
• [08:04 February 01 2010]
• Comments

 An emotional Andy Murray choked back tears as he apologized to British fans for failing to win the Australian Open and claim the nation's first Grand Slam men's title in 74 years.

Andy Murray wipes away the tears during his runners-up speech at the awards ceremony yesterday. Photo: AFP
 

The Scot was left wondering what may have been after he was unable to serve out the third set in the final against Roger Federer when leading 5-3.

He again squandered five set points in an agonizing tie-break on his way to losing to the Swiss champion in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (13/11).

The 22-year-old appeared composed in the moments after the match, even sharing a joke with Federer ahead of their speeches, but when called upon to say a few words it quickly became clear how desperate he was to win his maiden Grand Slam.

British tennis fans and media had hoped Murray was the man to end their Grand Slam drought stretching back to Fred Perry's US Open in 1936.

It has now been 279 Grand Slams since that success and Murray knew how much it meant back in Britain.

“I had great support back home and I am sorry I couldn't do it for you tonight,” he said as his voice cracked and he battled to hold back tears.

“I can cry like Roger, it's just a shame I can't play like him.”

“He was a lot better than me tonight.”

Murray was playing in his 17th Grand Slam, the point at which Federer broke through for his first title, and the Swiss had some consolation for him in his acceptance speech.

“Andy, you played an incredible tournament. You are too good a player not to win a Grand Slam, so don't worry about it.”

Hundreds of Murray's fans gathered in his Scottish hometown to cheer him yesterday and, despite his defeat, were still hopeful for future success.

Murray grew up in Dunblane, a small town 100 kilometers northwest of Edinburgh, where the main hotel and sports center opened early to accomodate local fans, and shops had put up signs of support.

But locals were left disappointed after Murray failed to become the first British man in 74 years to win a Grand Slam.

“It's a good learning experience for Andy. I think he will learn from this and his day will come,” David Marshall of Tennis Scotland told the BBC.

“There's areas Andy can improve on.”

Agencies