Murray survives scare, backs new rules on quitters

Andy Murray battled back from two sets down to beat France’s Adrian Mannarino at the US Open before calling for new rules to cut the number of retirements, which have hit record levels.

Third seed and 2012 champion Murray triumphed 5-7, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 after his world number 35 opponent had threatened to condemn him to his earliest loss in New York since his debut in 2005. But left-hander Mannarino wilted in the 30-degree heat and humidity in Arthur Ashe Stadium as Murray’s better physical condition proved crucial.

Murray goes on to face Brazilian 30th seed Thomaz Bellucci for a place in the last 16.

With heat and injury-forced retirements now at a record 12 in the men’s event — including 10 in the first round — Murray called for a heat rule, similar to the women’s tour, to be introduced for the men.

“When it’s extremely hot and humid, it helps to have that break,” said Murray of the 10-minute rest that women players take between the second and third sets when the temperature goes above 30.1 degrees.

“I don’t know exactly what it’s for. But I guess you get the chance to sort of go off and change, get under a cold shower if you want to.”

Murray also suggested new measures to prevent injured players turning up at events but going through the motions on court before stopping in a brazen ploy to claim the prize money.

The British star believes that “Lucky Losers” from qualifying should be given the opportunity to play in the main draw instead.

“If someone’s injured before they go out there, they’re just going to play five games or a few games just to get the first-round cheque, then that’s really bad for anyone that’s paid to come and watch,” he said.

“So the best thing to do, if you’ve worked the whole year to get into these events and earned the right to play, if you show up here and withdraw, give the lucky loser a chance. -AFP