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Five-time finalist at the Australian Open, Andy Murray on Monday, 15th January crashed out of the tournament with a straight set loss. The 36-year-old, however put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute battle in the opening set of the round one clash against Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, but eventually fell 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
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The British, who was hoping to a brilliant start, rather ended the first Grand Slam of the year in a frustrating fashion. Speaking on the sidelines after his first round exit, Murray added that “it’s definite possibility that will be the last time I play here”.
“Probably because of how the match went and everything, I don’t know. Whilst you’re playing the match, you’re obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points and everything,” Murray said.
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“When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like, I can’t believe this is over so quickly, and like this. Yeah, in comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it’s complete opposite feeling walking off the court. Wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played and all of that stuff, so.. . yeah, tough, tough way to finish,” he added at the post-match interaction.
Further adding that there have been discussions on when he might call it quits, Murray said, “They’re very aware of how I feel about things, where I would like to finish playing, when that would be. I haven’t made any definite decisions on that. Yeah, it’s obviously something that I need to think about and see exactly when that is.
Naomi Osaka crashes out in first round of AO2024
Returning two-time Australian Open winner, Japan’s Naomi Osaka’s stay in the tournament was also cut short after her first round exit. Osaka lost in straight sets on Monday, 15th January to Caroline Garcia 4-6, 6-7(2) at the Rod Laver Arena. It is to be noted that the Japanese made her return after being away for 15 months due to maternity leave.
“I thought it was a really good match. I felt like I did the best I could possibly do,” Osaka said in her post-match presser. “It was really nice to be at the Rod Laver again and hear the audience, how much they interacted with the match. That was fun. I remember watching the tournament on the television last year and am really grateful they put me on this court tonight,” she further added.
