Andy Murray says he “might have to accept” that a long-awaited deep run at a Grand Slam may never happen after his latest effort ended in the second round of the US Open.

Murray, ranked 37th, has not reached the round of 16 at a major tournament since returning to his career following hip surgery in 2019.

“It’s incredibly difficult to play at the highest level,” he said.

“It’s obviously disappointing not to play as we would like.

“Maybe I have to accept the deep runs and everything I felt capable of, they might not be there.”

Murray still enjoys ‘the work’ despite setbacks

Making a run at a major has been Murray’s main goal this season as the three-time Grand Slam champion continues in the twilight of his career.

The Scot reached the third round of the Australian Open in January and, after skipping the French Open, lost in the second round of Wimbledon last month.

Despite these setbacks at major tournaments, Murray has continued his upward trajectory and recently rose to his highest ranking since his return four years ago.

“I always enjoy everything that happens. I enjoy the work, the training and trying to improve and trying to get better,” said Murray, who reached the final of Doha in February and won three titles on the second division ATP Challenger. Tour this year.

“That’s what keeps me going.

“If I stop enjoying this – or my results, my ranking and everything starts going backwards, if in a few months I was ranked 60th in the world or whatever instead of moving up – things could change.”

Going into all four Grand Slam events with a ranking would, on paper, make a stronger possibility of going further into the majors.

Those ambitions were hampered by the Scot’s withdrawal from tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati this month due to an abdominal injury.

Not making the top 32 before the US Open didn’t improve his chances in New York.

After recovering from his injury, Murray played well in his first round victory over Frenchman Corentin Moutet, but his level dropped significantly against the wily Dimitrov.

“If I want to make deep runs in these tournaments, I’m going to have to face players like Grigor,” said Murray, who lost to fifth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round at Wimbledon.

“Whether I’m seeded in the top 32 or not, I don’t think that guarantees that I’m going to have a deep run either.”

Dimitrov’s tactics confuse Murray

Much of the credit goes to former world number three Dimitrov – coached by Dani Vallverdu and Jamie Delgado, who have both worked with Murray – for executing a clear game plan that aimed to frustrate the Briton.

Dimitrov’s backhand regularly slowed down the exchanges, forcing Murray to exchange from the back of the court and making the fight physical with long duels.

Murray was still running after being broken in his first service game of each set, when he was only able to convert two of the nine break points he created.

It has become a difficult task for those at Arthur Ashe Stadium who support Murray, who remains a popular figure at the venue where he won the first of his three major titles.

After taking a double break in the third set, Murray gestured to his team indicating he was finished and his troubles were summed up by a double fault on a third match point for the 32-year-old Dimitrov.

Dimitrov, who reached the US Open semifinals in 2019, will face 12th-seeded German Alexander Zverev in the last 32.

Murray, meanwhile, said he would return to the UK as quickly as possible and indicated he might not play for Great Britain. in next month’s Davis Cup match in Manchester.

“If I’m honest, the other guys deserve to play in front of me,” said Murray, who suggested Jack Draper should play in his place.

“I think there’s probably a chance I won’t make the team. I’ll try to get home tonight or tomorrow morning and then see where I go from there.”