Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov knocked out Britain’s Andy Murray and World Number 2 from the Miami Open Monday night, winning 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-3 in the third round.
Murray, 28, was 3-1 up in the third set but said “a lot of unforced errors crept into my game”.
Dimitrov won the last five games and Murray will now return to Europe for the clay-court season.
Murray made 55 unforced errors against Dimitrov, smashing his racquet as he slipped 4-0 down in the second set before losing his last three service games in the decider.
“Grigor played some good stuff too, but to lose your serve three times in a row from that position is obviously disappointing,” said Murray.
The Scot had enjoyed plenty of practice in Miami – where he has a home and does his off-season training – after losing early in Indian Wells.
“It’s disappointing, that’s for sure,” he said. “I had time to prepare on the court and get used to the conditions, but I wasn’t able to get on a good run.”
Murray’s wife Kim and new daughter Sophia had travelled to Miami and the family will now spend some time together before he returns to the practice court.
“I would imagine we’ll stay for a couple of days and then head home, try to get on the clay as soon as I can and get ready for Monte Carlo,” said the world number two.