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In what was his final appearance at the Miami Open, Andy Murray gave tennis fans a resolute performance to remember on Sunday in a 5-7 7-5 7-6(5) third round defeat to Czech Tomas Machac.
For all his talent it is Murray’s heart and refusal to wave the white flag that powered him to three grand slam titles and earned him respect from his fellow players and an army of fans.
The 36-year old displayed those qualities in his Miami swan song with a vintage performance that drew roaring approval from the packed house on Butch Bucholz court.
The match statistics alone did not measure Murray’s work.
Tied at a set each and 5-5 in third, the match looked finished when Murray rolled over on his left ankle, dropped his racquet and then covered his face screaming in pain as he hopped to his bench grimacing.
After being treated by the trainer a defiant Murray restrapped his ankle and returned to the court.
The third set would go to a tie-break with Murray building a 5-3 advantage but the former-world number one could not close the deal as Machac, who had earlier upset fifth seed Andrey Rublev, added another big name to his victims list.
As he will likely do many times as his retirement nears Murray grabbed his gear, walked out onto the court one more time and applauded the crowd soaking up the moment.
“I wasn’t thinking about all the matches I played just more that that’s the last match that I am going play here which is sad because I love it here,” Murray told a small group of reporters. “I’ve spent so much of my tennis career here and I would have liked it to have gone on a little bit longer.
“This tournament in particularly for me is an important one so it was a bit more emotional leaving the court today than it might be at some of the other events.
“I am looking forward to the end now, give my best the next few months and get to be at home with my family,”
While this time came to a disappointing end, Murray will take more than great memories away from Miami.
Until the Miami Open, Murray had not registered back-to-back wins at any tournament this year.
He departs with confidence boosting victories over Matteo Berrettini and 29th seed Tomas Martín Etcheverry and came close to stringing together three wins at a Masters 1000 event or better since 2017.
“It was pretty positive,” said Murray, twice a winner of the Miami Open. “There was some good signs in my game, definitely an improvement on the last few tournaments.
“Not perfect but considering everything and to be winning matches against the players I did and pushing Tomas like I did today, yeah I am proud of myself.
“To still be able to compete with these guys is a credit to myself and the work I have done and effort I have put into this to keep myself in this position.”
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
