ALAS! Andy Murray’s 2nd Round Curse Continues as He Crashes Out Against Frances Tiafoe at Winston-Salem 2021

After scoring his first-ever win in Winston-Salem Open, Andy Murray took on the Frances Tiafoe challenge in the second round. Although he played well, the Scot went down against the American 6-7(4), 3-6.

Before this, Murray had lost in the second round in Rotterdam, Queen’s, and Cincinnati. Thus, the pressure to crack this one was already high on the former World No.1.

As for Tiafoe, he called Murray a ‘legend‘ before their second professional meeting. Moreover, he was looking to level things between them after his loss in Cincinnati last year.

Here. We. Go.

A highly anticipated clash awaits as @andy_murray and @FTiafoe take the court in Winston-Salem!

Watch live https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX#WSOpen pic.twitter.com/JHlhq2ztev

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 25, 2021

Naturally, the contest had the stage to become an all-out entertainer. And the duo made sure to give the fans what they wanted with their racquets.

Read More: Why Is US Open the Richest Grand Slam Event in Tennis?

Andy Murray vs Frances Tiafoe: Winston-Salem Open 2021, Set 1

Both players got off to a good start, dominating with their services and keeping the rallies short. However, Murray had lost seven points, whereas Tiafoe had lost two to reach 2-2 in the opening set.

After holding a perfect service game, the 23-year-old American finally charged his opponent’s serve to earn three breakpoints at 3-3. Remarkably, Murray saved all of them to stay ahead in the set.

Aug 11, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Frances Tiafoe of the United States returns a ball to Denis Shapovalov of Canada (not pictured) at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Afterwards, at 4-4, Tiafoe again scraped a break point to put himself in a pressure situation. Although he had not seen a breakpoint, holding serve at 5-4 is never easy.

Accordingly, paying the price of missing out on crucial points, the young American had to see off three set points. But unable to convert any, Murray lost a giant opportunity to put himself in the driving seat.

As a result, the opening set of the encounter then went into a tie-breaker. Eventually, Tiafoe benefitted from this and won the set 6-7(4) after 74 minutes.

Big Foe in full force.

Frances Tiafoe takes the first set 7-6(4) over Andy Murray. #wsopen | #winstonsalemopen | #builtforthefans | @FTiafoe pic.twitter.com/DCknjPuQnl

— Winston-Salem Open (@WSOpen) August 25, 2021

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Murray vs Tiafoe: Winston-Salem Open 2021, Set 2

Building up on the first set, the American professional kept the pressure on Murray. Subsequently, Tiafoe registered an early break which he had missed earlier in the match.

Tiafoe is servin’ up the sweat.
He breaks Murray for a 3-1 lead in the second.
: @WickPhoto pic.twitter.com/uGx9j5iHmP

— Winston-Salem Open (@WSOpen) August 25, 2021

Immediately, and unlike the opening set, the young American quickly rose to a 1-4 lead. Without any doubt, the four-time Grand Slam champion could see his fourth second-round loss near him.

To bring the end nearer, Tiafoe got the double break over Murray and served for the match. Interestingly, the Scot did not simply handed over the win but recovered one of the two breaks.

Tennis – ATP 500 – Queen’s Club Championships – Queen’s Club, London, Britain – June 15, 2021 Britain’s Andy Murray in action during his round of 32 match against France’s Benoit Paire Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

At 3-5, 30-0, it seemed as if Murray was creating a great come back story in Winston-Salem. However, Tiafoe haulted his dreams there and then to close the match in straight sets. He won 6-7(4), 3-6.

A wonderFOE performance @FTiafoe saves a handful of set points in a tight opener to defeat Murray 7-6 6-3 under the lights in Winston-Salem!#WSOpen pic.twitter.com/htditN4kDO

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 25, 2021

In the next round, he will meet either Lucky Loser Eduardo Nava or Brazilian Thiago Monteiro in North Carolina. How far does he need to go in Winston-Salem to set a perfect base for US Open 2021 campaign?

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