Andy Murray's pursuit of glory at the Stockholm Open ended on Thursday night as the USA's Tommy Paul prevailed in a three-set quarter-final 6-2 3-6 6-3.
Murray had seen off Viktor Durasovic and Jannik Sinner to set up a last-eight clash with Paul, who broke the Brit's serve three times in the opening set for a 6-2 triumph.
The three-time Grand Slam winner claimed a vital break in the sixth game of the second set before drawing level with a 6-3 success, but Paul was a class above as the match entered its final knockings.
Murray double-faulted to hand Paul a 5-3 lead before the American served for the match, and the 24-year-old made no mistake to prevail 6-2 3-6 6-3 and set up a semi-final with compatriot Frances Tiafoe.
Murray's elimination came a few hours after Dan Evans bowed out to Tiafoe, and the 34-year-old ends his 2021 season with 13 wins and 14 losses under his belt.
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