Andy Murray Must Regain Composure on Court After Loss at 2013 US Open

Andy Murray confirmed he was suffering from a bit of a tennis hangover in losing in the quarterfinals of the 2013 U.S. Open on Thursday.

The defending champion at Flushing Meadows bowed out in straight sets to Stanislas Wawrinka, but what was more concerning was Murray's lack of self-control with regard to his on-court demeanor.

That is something he must change very soon, whatever the method, because the expectations for him moving forward are already enough pressure. Any outbursts like the ones he had in the midst of a 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 loss will only compound his problems as he seeks to get back on track.

Since winning Wimbledon—and ending a winless British drought of 77 years in the process—Murray simply hasn't been the same.

This latest loss adds to early preceding exits from ATP Masters events in Montreal and Cincinnati, via ESPN.

The 26-year-old Scot has been driven to the top of men's tennis due to his competitive fire, but he's had to curb a notorious temper over the years. As of June 2011, he felt he was really getting a handle on it. Unfortunately, the Murray of old surfaced again in the disappointing exit in New York.

After dropping the first set, Murray promptly smashed his racket while still on the court, then totally wrecked it when he went to his chair at the changeover.

Then, when he lost the next set by an even greater margin, he looked at his coach, Ivan Lendl, and screamed loudly, agonizing aloud over his poor play.

Murray hit only 15 winners to go with 30 unforced errors, and his characteristic returning prowess was not on point in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Although Wawrinka played well, it was unusual for Murray to only win 12 percent of his opponent's first-serve points.

The big serve also allowed Wawrinka to set up shop at the net frequently, where he won 31 of 42 points.

After the match, Murray essentially admitted to a letdown after winning the Wimbledon title:

That breakthrough at the All England Club capped off what had been a massive increase in his level of play between last summer's Olympic gold medal and his maiden major triumph at the 2012 U.S. Open.

Credit Murray for being candid about the possible letdown, but he did say that he had weeks to prepare and did make the quarterfinals.

Thus, there is no excuse for his demeanor in defeat, which was derelict of dignity at times.

Tennis can be an extremely frustrating game, but the big difference for Murray in recent years has been an evident commitment to improving his physique, fitness and skills—but also to self-mediating his sometimes volatile temperament.

In order to avoid regressing further from his recent three outings on the hard courts, it will be up to Murray to regain control of himself on the court.

Note: Match stats are courtesy of USOpen.org.