Andy Murray Upset by Matteo Viola 2-1 at ATP Challenger Event
August 29, 2019
Mateo Viola shocked Andy Murray on Thursday at the Rafa Nadal Open, with the underdog fighting back from a set down to win in Mallorca, Spain.
The Italian won 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7), and the British superstar appeared fatigued in the final moments. Murray had opted to miss the U.S. Open to work on his sharpness in singles competition.
The 32-year-old admitted he must physically improve after suffering a cramp, per the Rafa Nadal Academy:
Murray appeared to be in control in the opening set, and the world No. 240 was significantly behind the three-time Grand Slam winner's quality.
The Scot closed out the set 6-3 but failed to maintain his standard in the second. Viola fought back and broke Murray's serve three times, collecting the set 6-4—despite losing his own serve twice.
Both men lost a break of serve early in the final set, and Murray began to tire with a tiebreak needed at 6-6 to decide the match.
Viola did just enough, and Murray dropped his service point four times during the tiebreak.
Murray is now scheduled to travel to Zhuhai, China, where he will feature at the ATP 250.
