Murray struggling to cope with US Open defeat

In-form British tennis star Andy Murray said recovering from his US Open heartache will be difficult before next weeks Davis Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.

Murray was favourite to claim his fourth Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, but was beaten 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 by Kei Nishikori of Japan in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The world No.2 must now turn his attention to Britain's crunch Davis Cup tie, which is likely to involve him playing two singles rubbers, as well as doubles.

Murray has eight days to fly home and recuperate ahead of the contest in Glasgow, and says he will have to make the most of his time off.

"Obviously I'll look forward to the match. It should be a great, great atmosphere, a great occasion. I would like a little bit more time off, which obviously I will get when the Davis Cup is done, but I just need to be smart in the next few days because I need a lot of energy for those ties," Murray was quoted as saying by express.co.uk on Friday.

"Davis Cup does take a lot out of you. It's tough, especially if you play all three days. "I'll need to be smart the next few days to make sure that I recover not only physically, but mentally."

Murray's five-set defeat to Nishikori means New York will host the first grand slam final this year without Murray, and the first since 2004 without Murray, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.

--IANS

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