Andy Murray hails 'perfect' preparation for US Open

Murray had requested to play later in the day Andy Murray described as 'perfect' his preparation for the US Open despite defeat by Mardy Fish in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Masters. The Briton lost 6-7 (7-9) 6-1 7-6 (7-5) in intense heat on Friday, ending a seven-match unbeaten run that included victory in Toronto last week. And despite suffering in the soaring temperatures, Murray told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's been perfect. "I think I've played enough matches. It might be a good thing I lost today." The Scot had struggled with the heat in his previous match against Ernests Gulbis and was treated court-side by the doctor in the second set against Fish. "I don't think it was a match too far, I nearly got it done, but I just could have had a little bit more luck with the way the schedule turned out and it might have been a different match," he said. "I went inside after the first set just to try and cool down because it was really hot and at the end of a very tight set the adrenaline was up."I almost managed to pull through in the end but he just played a little bit better. "Then when I came back out and cooled off a little bit I felt sore head, throbbing, probably a bit of dehydration and just general fatigue. The doctor did a good job and cooled me down with a lot of ice and I felt OK." Murray had requested a late start for his quarter-final but was scheduled for the opening match at 12pm local time - his third successive match in the afternoon sun. Tournament officials rejected Murray's request as they took into account the fact that Fish was still in the doubles competition. "You play when you're told to," said Murray. "I obviously played very well last week and I'd rather be in the position I'm in now than if I'd lost early last week. "The organisers have to put the matches on that they want on the TV and if someone's got doubles they need to take that into consideration, you can't completely forget about it."I'd have liked to have played later, that was pretty clear, but it didn't happen and I just tried to deal with it as best I can. "But when the only time you ask not to play first, you get put on first, it's a little bit strange." With 10 days to prepare for the final Grand Slam of the year, which gets under way at Flushing Meadows on 30 August, Murray is convinced he will be 100% fit when he bids for a first major title. "Physically this week has been good for me," he said. "I came in a little bit tired after the previous week and played three long matches, so in terms of match fitness I'll be fine going into the US Open." Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport