Andy Murray discusses a “major concern” ahead of the US Open: ‘I need to figure out what’s going on.’
The three-time Grand Slam champion was defeated by Cameron Norrie in the second round of the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Murray started well against the current British No. 1, but faded as he battled discomfort once more. He also required treatment for the same problem during his exhausting three-set win over Stan Wawrinka on Monday.
However, it looks that there is a pattern emerging when it comes to cramping, since he had the same issue at the Hall of Fame Open and Citi Open.
After leaving Washington, DC last month, he confessed that he might need to “make a few tweaks” to his training, but two weeks later, he still hasn’t found a solution.
“I think pretty much every tennis player throughout their career has cramped under these kinds of situations,” the former world number one stated after his match against Norrie.
“However, consistency is a major worry for me.” It’s not something I’ve had much experience with. I’ve had cramps, but not on a constant basis as in a lot of tournaments.
“It’s a major problem for me because it’s difficult to play when it becomes terrible like it did towards the end [of the match].” “I believe it had an effect on the outcome of the game.”
Murray’s loss against Norrie effectively eliminated his chances of being seeded for the US Open, which begins on August 29. It means he might go up against one of the major guns in the first round at Flushing Meadows.
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He’ll want to make sure he finds a cure to the cramping – which affects not only his legs but also other portions of his body – before the year’s last Grand Slam in New York.
“It’s a major problem for me, and it’s something I need to confront and solve,” he added. “No one knows for certain why cramps occur. There are several causes, including dehydration, poor dietary choices, weariness and a lack of training, and stress.
“I need to figure out what’s going on there.”
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman recently told Tennis365 that he believes Murray can return to the top of the game.
“Being a professional tennis player is the best job in the world, and you should play for as long as you want while you’re still enjoying it and the difficulties that come with it,” Henman said.
“He’s been able to maintain a constant routine while avoiding too many physical setbacks.” He’s back in the top 50, and he’s only getting started.
“He’ll go back into the top 32, he’ll be seeded in the Slams, and he’ll have draw protection.”
“With the guys he’s beaten recently, there’s little question in my opinion that he can have another excellent Slam run.”
However, as a result of his Cincinnati loss, Murray will have to wait until at least next year’s Australian Open to be seeded, and even then, he will need to pick up some solid wins in the latter few months of the 2022 season.
