28 September 2023 , 18:39
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Andy Murray let his emotions get the better of him and pushed a camera out of the way after a heartbreaking defeat by Alex de Minaur at the China Open.
The heated moment with the camera operator wasn't the only time the Scotsman lost his temper during the thrilling clash, Murray even picked up a code violation for furiously throwing his racket to the ground three times in one game. De Minaur managed to save three match points and maintain his sensational record against Murray.
Murray ended up throwing his racket another two times during the final set as he lost his grip on the tie before eventually losing the tie 6-3 5-7 7-6 (8-6) to the Australian. De Minaur has now become just the fourth player to beat the two-time Wimbledon champion five times in a row and is in illustrious company alongside Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Given the Aussie has only met Murray on the court five times, De Minaur is also the only player to boast a 100 per-cent win record over him. Pressed for comment on how he managed to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat, the world No.12 was honest as he confessed: "I really don't know, It wasn't pretty but I'm very happy I was able to win."
De Minaur looked destined to be dumped out of the competition after being 5-2 down in the deciding set. However, spurred on by saving two match points he managed to turn the tide and eliminate Murray after a brutal battle.
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"I think we probably both didn't bring our best level today so it's an absolutely scrap fest, but I'm happy I was able to get my first win, probably in a very, very long time, where I've saved some match points," said de Minaur.
"More than anything, it's probably down to my attitude. I kind of kept my head screwed on and just told myself to keep trying, keep trying and keep backing myself.
Andy Murray smashed his racket in frustration (Getty Images)"And eventually I was going to find my level, and I'm very happy I was able to turn that around."
Once he had shaken hands with his opponent and the official, a dejected Murray was clearly very eager to get off the court as soon as possible and he appeared to have asked a camera operator to "move" before departing hastily.
Murray is all too aware of De Minaur's record against him and addressed it in the build up to the tournament. "Last couple of matches with him have obviously, yeah, been pretty one-sided," the Scot added.
"If I do come up against him in a couple of weeks, I will obviously need to look at that and see what I can do differently."