Andy Murray received treatment on his ankle in the deciding set before losing to inspired Czech Tomas Machac 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-5) in an epic encounter at the Miami Open on Sunday.
After winning the opening set, 36-year-old Murray appeared to be on course for a spot in the fourth round of the tournament he has won twice previously.
But Machac claimed a tight second and then marched into a seemingly comfortable lead at 3-0 in the decider.
Murray, roared on by the crowd, battled back before receiving medical treatment following an awkward landing on his ankle at 5-5 in the final set.
The former world No 1 managed to drag the contest into a tie-breaker but Machac conjured up four points in a row from 5-3 down to win a marathon encounter after three hours and 27 minutes.
Miles MacLagan says on Sky Sports Tennis
“Three stunning points from Machac. Four points to finish the match out from 5-3 down in the tie-break. What an effort!
“It’s everyday stuff from Murray. We see that all the time but not coming out on top – that will hurt.
“Fighting back in that third set so admirably. We talk about his indomitable spirit, well that was matched by Thomas Machac who played some absolutely stunning tennis.
“Machac quality just kept getting in the way.”
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