• Madrid Open

Under-par Murray slumps to shock defeat in Madrid

ESPN staff
May 8, 2014
Andy Murray does not favour the clay surface © Getty Images
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Andy Murray's clay woes continued after he suffered a shock 6-3 6-2 defeat to qualifier Santiago Giraldo in the third round of the Madrid Open.

On Wednesday, the British No.1 admitted the death of friend Elena Baltacha had altered his perspective and that tennis had become less important to him this week.

Murray had produced a low key, if professional, performance to get past Nicolas Almagro in the second round but failed to improve against the world No.48 on his least favoured surface.

Following defeat, Murray was asked if he had lacked leadership since his split with former coach Ivan Lendl in March. He replied: "Possibly. When I stopped working with Ivan [Lendl], that was always going to be the case for a few weeks."

Murray, who admitted he would consider seven-time grand slam winner John McEnroe as his new coach, stated he would appoint Lendl's successor "soon."

The Scot slumped to 24 unforced errors in his 70 minutes on court as his Columbian opponent pounced to set up a quarter-final tie with Roberto Bautista Agut, the world No.45, who earlier enjoyed a straight sets victory against Lukasz Kubot.

Giraldo was left serving for the match against an under-par Wimbledon champion and did so in style, sending down an ace to complete his first ever triumph against a top ten-ranked opponent.

Earlier on Thursday, Rafael Nadal set up a last eight tie with Tomas Berdych while Serena Williams recorded her 650th career victory with her 15th straight triumph in Madrid.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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