Andy Murray's run at the Australian Open ended on Saturday with a defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut. The three-time grand slam champion wowed Melbourne audiences this year by going back in time to win two lengthy matches, but Bautista Agut proved too much for him.
The Spaniard prevailed in four sets, 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-3 6-4, and was happy to have finally beaten his opponent when he secured match point. Murray had been on court for more than 10.5 hours prior to the third round encounter, and he struggled to walk at moments.
The 35-year-old required five sets to defeat Matteo Berrettini in the opening round of the competition before rallying from two sets behind to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis in a five-hour, 45-minute battle that ended at 4.05 a.m. Murray's second round encounter, which ended on Friday morning, was the longest of his career. It was no wonder, therefore, that Murray appeared tired as he fought to grasp the opening set, which had ended before it had even begun.
Murray pushed hard and came from a break down in the second set to win an incredible tie break, as he has done throughout his career. It was yet another display of Murray's tenacity and drive in the sport of tennis, but it wasn't enough on this time.
The arduous second set appeared to take its toll on Murray, as Bautista Agut held the advantage for the remainder of the match. Murray, on the other hand, did not go away, and continued to pound his opponent until the very end, producing an assortment of breathtaking strokes. Murray received a standing ovation from the audience as he staggered off the court after squandering match point.
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