Murray bows out to Mardy Fish

American Mardy Fish had some words of comfort for Andy Murray after ending the British teenager’s bid for glory at the RCA Championships in Indianapolis.

Murray lost 6-4 4-6 6-4 against the 2004 Olympic silver medallist, having led 3-1 in the final set.

Fish tied the match at 3-3 by breaking in the sixth game and then broke the 18-year-old Scot again in the last game.

But the 16th seed admitted he had been impressed by an opponent who climbed to a career-high 164 in the ATP Entry Rankings after winning his first Challenger Tour title last week in Aptos, California.

“He’s a very good counter puncher and he passes well,” said Fish. “He’s a good, talented player and I am happy with the win.”

Murray, who will now return to the Challenger Tour next week in Granby, Canada, before travelling on to Vancouver, said: “I thought I could have played better. It was very hot, but I think I dealt with that pretty well. I’m disappointed I lost.”