In a dramatic evening session at the Shanghai Masters, British tennis legend Andy Murray saw his tournament hopes evaporate in a gruelling battle against Italy's Fabio Fognini. The three-time Grand Slam champion fought valiantly but ultimately fell 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-7(2) in a match that stretched late into the Chinese night.
Early Promise Turns to Frustration
Murray appeared to be in control during the opening exchanges, breaking Fognini's serve early and building a commanding 5-2 lead. The Scot seemed poised to take the first set comfortably, but the mercurial Italian staged an remarkable comeback, saving multiple set points before forcing a tiebreak that he would ultimately dominate.
Second Set Resurgence Offers Hope
The middle set saw Murray at his battling best, breaking Fognini twice while demonstrating the defensive prowess that has defined his career. The British star's relentless returning and improved first-serve percentage suggested a momentum shift, levelling the match and setting up a decisive third set.
Final Set Heartbreak in Shanghai
As the match stretched past the two-and-a-half-hour mark, both players dug deep in a tense final set that saw multiple breaks of serve. Murray fought back from 4-1 down to level at 4-4, but couldn't capitalise on crucial opportunities, eventually falling in a final-set tiebreak that saw Fognini's aggressive shot-making prove decisive.
The defeat marks another frustrating chapter in Murray's ongoing comeback journey, with the former world number one showing flashes of his former brilliance but struggling to maintain consistency throughout the gruelling contest.
