Wimbledon 2017: Sad that it is over, says Andy Murray post quarterfinal exit

London: Defending champion Andy Murray, who suffered a shocking exit at the Wimbledon at Wednesday after struggling with hip issues in the latter stages of his quarter-final loss against American Sam Querrey, admitted taking a break was not out of the question and did not blame the injury for his defeat.

The world number one slumped to a 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Querrey in a contest that lasted for two hours and 41 minutes on the Centre Court.

Instead, Murray praised the 28th-ranked American, saying that Querrey's game is tailor made for grass, but that he's also made adjustments to utilise his strengths even further on the surface.

"I think he's played well this tournament. He's looking to be aggressive. With the strengths and power that he has, it gives him the best chance to do well in these events," the ATP website quoted Murray as saying.

The Brit had arrived at the All England Club feeling the effects of his right hip problem.

However, Murray admitted that once he knew playing through the pain wouldn't affect his plans for the American hard-court season, he wanted to do everything possible to defend his Wimbledon crown.

"I knew I wasn't going to do any major damage by playing. We were looking at short-term solutions because you want to play Wimbledon. You want to play all of the Slams and give your best effort there," said Murray.

"I managed to get through a bunch of matches and did okay. Now I'll sit down with my team and look a bit longer term, come up with a plan for what I have to do next.

"I've been a little bit sore the whole tournament, but I tried my best right to the end. I'm proud about that. It's disappointing to lose at Wimbledon. There's obviously an opportunity there, so I'm sad that it's over," he added.

After Murray's defeat, world number four Novak Djokovic could have reclaimed the numero one spot by winning the title.

However, the three-time champion succumbed to a right-elbow injury to send Tomas Berdych through to his third Wimbledon semi-final.

Djokovic came into the match with a 25-2 head-to-head record against Berdych but retired while trailing 7-6(2), 2-0 on No.1 Court.

The result meant that Murray would hold on his current number one ATP ranking.