By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday October 20, 2021
Frances Tiafoe lost in heartbreaking fashion to Andy Murray on Tuesday night in Antwerp, after failing to convert two match points, in a grueling three hours and 45 minutes. That would be enough to drive most ATP players to become a hermit, at least until the next tournament, but not the American.
Tiafoe took the 7-6(2), 6-7(7), 7-6(8) loss in the best of spirits, and after the match he took to social media to join the world in praising 34-year-old Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion who continues to be an inspiration as he fights to find his form on tour two years after what he originally thought might be a career-ending hip resurfacing.
Tiafoe had his finger on the pulse, perhaps better than any other person last night when he wrote “I don’t even really know what to say. Last night was just insane. It definitely hurts to be on the wrong side of the stick after a match like this….but damn that’s why I play this game.”
The 48th-ranked American called Murray a “true inspiration” and showed a keen understanding of the trials and tribulations that Murray has been through over the last few years.
“We sure did battle 2 out 3 sets in 3 hrs and 45 minutes,” Tiafoe wrote, adding: “Andy Murray you a true inspiration bro. Everything you’ve been through and you are playing at this high of a level and still keep your standards extremely high - asking for the best out of yourself and then some, all while having a metal hip.
You’re the biggest competitor I know [and] the respect I have for you is through the roof. As much as I wish I beat your ass last night, to share a historic match like that, glad it was against you, man. Nothing but love and respect for SIR ANDY MURRAY.”
Murray improved to 2-1 against Tiafoe lifetime with his victory, and avenged a straight-sets loss to Tiafoe at Winston-Salem in August. The Scot will face Diego Schwartzman in second-round action at Antwerp on Thursday.