Wimbledon 2021: Andy Murray’s inspired run comes to an end after straight-set defeat to Denis Shapovalov

Andy Murray put on a show and entertained in the first week of Wimbledon 2021 but the 2-time champion’s inspired run at The Championships came to an end on Friday. The local favourite lost his 3rd-round match 4-6, 2-6, 2-6 to 10th seed Denis Shapovalov in the men’s singles third-round match.

Murray was considering retirement a couple of years ago when he was troubled by hip injuries. He had a hip replacement surgery and did not play Wimbledon since 2017. However, he was handed a wildcard for the shingles draw as the tournament returned following the cancellation last year due to Covid-19 pandemic.

And the center court’s favourite son, Andy Murray proved to himself he has a lot to offer after coming up with hard-fought wins in the first two rounds.

Another year, another batch of Murray memories to cherish

Until next time, Andy #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/4uraca8T3j

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2021

Twice this week the 34-year-old Murray had rolled back the years with late-night wins after the Centre Court roof slid shut, but Shapovalov proved a step too far.

Tenth seed Shapovalov silenced the home crowd, however, to reach the Wimbledon last 16 for the first time.

Things started badly for Murray as slipped over in the second game and he had no answer as Shapovalov built a 5-1 lead.

Roared on by a raucous crowd, Murray clawed back three games and was close to making it 5-5 but Shapovalov held his nerve to close out the opening set.

Left-hander Shapovalov dominated the second set with some ferocious hitting and Murray’s only hope was that a short break while the roof was closed and lights turned on would enable him to summon another comeback. However, Shapovalov was ruthless upon resumption and closed out the match.