Andy Murray falls short as Tomas Machac wins decisive tie-break to reach 2024 Miami Open fourth round

Updated 25/03/2024 at 06:55 GMT

Former world No. 1 Andy Murray looked set for a hard-fought victory to reach the last 16 of the 2024 Miami Open after he took the opening set. When he went two points clear of Czechia's Tomas Machac in the decisive tie-break - despite battling injury - he appeared to be in command again. However, it was the 23-year-old who progressed as he rallied to move into the next round in Florida.

Murray v Machac - Miami Open highlights

Britain's Andy Murray fell agonisingly short in the third round of the Miami Open as he lost 5-7 7-5 7-6(5) to Tomas Machac after three hours and 27 minutes.

Murray was in decent form coming into the match after beating Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round.

The 36-year-old Scot was up against Machac, who had beaten Andrey Rublev, the world No. 6, in their second-round tie in Florida.

Tennis

Murray steps up rehab with return to court in Wimbledon fitness race

19/04/2024 at 13:06

Murray has not given up hope of earning a place in the Team GB line-up for the Paris 2024 Olympics this summer, and also of impressing at this year’s Wimbledon amid speculation it could be his last appearance at SW19.

The match went with serve until 5-5 in the opener, when Murray then had Machac worried when he went 0-30 clear on the Czech's serve, but he battled back to deuce. The Scot then moved back in front and wrapped up the break and then served out for a one-set lead.

After a rain-hit win in his last match, this encounter was also halted for inclement weather in the second set with Murray trailing 2-1.

This time, the second set was a mirror of the first, and it was Machac who broke to set up a decisive third set.

The 23-year-old Machac seemed brighter as the match progressed into the final set and Murray was broken early to go 3-0 down.

However, there was a familiar Murray fightback on the cards as he broke back to move 5-4 behind, and he then proceeded to hold serve to level at 5-5.

After an injury scare on his ankle, for a brief moment it looked as if Murray would score a famous victory as he went two points clear in the tie-break, but it was heartbreak for the Brit as Machac battled back to take it 7-5 and move into the last 16.

- - -

Stream the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.

Tennis

Murray will not have surgery on ankle injury, return date unknown

15/04/2024 at 20:14

Tennis

‘Unbelievable fighter’ Murray can ‘go out on top’ at Olympics - Wilander

05/04/2024 at 13:00

ATP Monte Carlo

When is the Monte Carlo Masters? Are Djokovic and Nadal playing?

03/04/2024 at 09:07

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me