LONDON: Britain’s press paid tribute to Andy Murray on Saturday, despite the Scot falling in the Wimbledon semifinals for the third year in a row.
Some newspapers said Murray had shown he was capable of taking Rafael Nadal on, while others said he was the best Britain had had for 70 years and got as far as he did despite the tennis system here rather than because of it.
Spaniard Nadal reached his fifth Wimbledon final on Friday with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over an outclassed Murray, leaving British hopes of a first champion since 1936 in tatters.
The Times said that any British victory in any sport was a success against the odds, because “there are too few of us trying to do too much at once”.
It said that Britain was the only nation that purports to be world-class at football, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, tennis and athletics.
The Sun said Murray was good, but not good enough when faced with world number one Nadal.
“Nobody can deny Andy Murray battled bravely before going down to Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon,” it said.
Got the balance wrong against Nadal: Murray
Andy Murray admitted taking too many risks against Spaniard Rafael Nadal in his Wimbledon semi-final loss Friday.
The Scott admitted that between defence and attack “maybe got the balance a little bit wrong.” But he had planned to take Nadal aggressively in the game.
“It was a big point. I was playing very high-risk tennis for most of the match. I went for it today and started to make a few mistakes after that,” said Murray, who made a total of 39 unforced errors in the match to Nadal’s seven.
“It is tough. But, you know, I am giving it my best shot each time. I am trying my hardest.”
Murray conceded that it is extremely tough win grand slams in the era of Nadal and Federer. (Agencies)