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Andy Murray losing early in Washington not a concern

By Geoff Nichols

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Andy Murray losing early in Washington not a concern

Andy Murray fell in his opening singles match of the US hard court series, but despite the surprise nature of the result, it shouldn’t overly worry supporters of the Brit. On the day his opponent, Teymuraz Gabashvili, was in inspired form, taking the match on a final set tie break.

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There are a number of reasons why Murray should move on quickly from this loss. The first of which is the nature of his performance. Earlier in the year he lost consecutive matches at lower tiered events against Giles Simon and Borna Coric.

Those were straight set defeats where Murray’s motivation as much as his level were in question. Against the Russian Gabashvili, he was more than up for the fight. Ultimately it was the effect of a busy summer on his legs that probably cost him.

Credit must also go to his opponent, who was playing in his typically aggressive style. He was rushing Murray and the closer things got, the more he was painting the lines. It was a courageous performances and one that will live long in the memory for the world number 53.

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Plenty of Time Until the US Open

Murray, currently the world number three, has always endeavoured to peak for the big events. Whilst Washington has admittedly made a number of improvements over the last decade, it remains an optional ATP 500 event. Murray opted to play, but you would imagine more for time on the court rather than an obsession with taking the title.

Having endured an up and down summer, Murray only took a couple of weeks rest before heading out to America and again, in the longer term, this loss might help him re energise. To win the title in Washington he would have had to win five matches in consecutive days.

– Andy Murray having career year in 2015 – 

Add into the equation the prospect of consecutive Masters 1000’s events, which Murray will value much greater, his defeat could seem like a blessing in disguise. He will want to capitalise on Roger Federer’s withdrawal in next weeks Montreal Masters, as he will go into the draw as the second seed.

Rankings not Affected

Speaking of rankings, playing in Washington was evidently not a decision motivated by either the ATP Rankings or the ATP Race situation. In the rankings he is closing in on Federer, but will have only been able to add to his points total with a final appearance at the 500 event.

– Latest ATP Race Standings – 

The upcoming Masters 1000’s events present a much greater opportunity for narrowing the gap on the Swiss player and it will be touch and go as to whether Murray can bridge the 1,400 point gap before the US Open. He will be keen to do so, as the second seed in New York is guaranteed to avoid Novak Djokovic in the draw until the final.

The ATP Race standings should also not be a concern for Murray and in fact pay testament to what a consistent 2015 he is enjoying. Despite not breaking through in the majors this year, his 48-8 record puts him at second on the tour in terms of match wins.

His sits comfortably in second place in the Race standings, rapidly approaching the World Tour Finals qualification cut, which is only 400 points away. You would expect the Brit the secure his place at London in November during this US hard court swing, avoiding the dramas of last year.

In all Murray is playing close to his best level and this surprise loss in Washington won’t dampen his lofty ambitions for the coming month. In the past he has ended seasons strongly and if he does so in 2015, it will go down as one of the most consistent years of his stunning career.

Next: Wimbledon 2015: Top 5 Upsets in Men's Draw

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