Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon winner, followed Emma Raducanu out the door after losing to John Isner in four sets. On the ninth try, big-serving American Isner defeated the Scot for the first time in his career, winning 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (3-7) 6-4.
Only 15 points were won by the Scot against the tenacious Isner first serve. But the 20th seed’s triumph was so much more than that; Centre Court was astounded by a number of brilliant drop shots and quick touches to the net. Isner received too many looks at Murray’s second serve in the early going, and his services needed to be on point as well.
The home favorite was shattered in the third game because the scorching return was too hot for him.
Andy Murray Lost Against John Isner
In 25 tennis sets over the previous 12 years, Isner has only broken Murray’s serve twice.
The second set went by quickly with neither player putting a glove on the other, but in the tie-break, Isner struck first, and when Andy Murray had a single opportunity to repair the damage, he sent a straightforward pass into the net.
Andy Murray did well to get a racket on the 136 mph missile on set point, but the return sailed wide, giving Isner a 2-0 advantage. A long forehand and a volley into the net gave Murray the advantage in the inevitable third set when Isner made his first tie-break mistakes. The enraged former champion leaped wildly in joy as he reduced the deficit.
But shortly after, another straightforward backhand pass hit the tape, giving Isner break point, which he took with a recovery that Murray could only net. This left Murray dejected.
The roof was closed when Isner led 4-2 and the light was waning. So ended the most recent episode of Murray’s Wimbledon adventure ten minutes after play resumed.