AS Andy Murray hauls his tired, weary frame home from New York there will be ample time for contemplation and assessment.

Murray, being the kind of natural born winner who simply detests losing, will reflect on his fourth-round US Open exit to the big-serving and even larger hearted Kevin Anderson with understandable regret and anger.

The Scot knows his game was never at full pelt at Flushing Meadows. The flu virus which has affected many here certainly played its part – the five-set second-round defeat of Adrian Mannarino ensured when it came to mount a similar comeback against the South African No.15 seed on Monday night, the tank was already empty.

When coming to analyse the match which passed the four-hour mark and ruined a quite remarkable run of reaching 18 consecutive grand slam quarter-finals by finishing 6-7, 3-6, 7-6, 6-7, Murray, while acknowledging the brilliance and power of Anderson which earned him 81 winners compared to his 49, will know he was too flat at the start ensuring there was sadly too much to do at the sweaty denouement.

Yet the beauty of sport ensures redemption is never far away.

For Murray it will present itself in what promises to be a heaving, raucous and passionate Emirates Arena in Glasgow as Leon Smith’s Great Britain side aim to reach the Davis Cup final for the first time since 1978.

Smith would never say it – he is too close to Murray to ever be disparaging – yet there would have been part of him which wouldn’t have been too perturbed to see the two-time major champion crash out here amid a hail of expletives and smashed rackets.

With extra, unforeseen time for some much needed rest and relaxation, Murray will make his way to Glasgow refreshed and ready for the battles which lie ahead.

Australia may have surprised some by electing to leave firebrand Nick Kygrios out of their team yet with the likes of Bernard Tomic, grizzled veteran Lleyton Hewitt, the precocious Thanasi Kokkinakis and doubles expert Sam Groth, Smith’s side will have a serious battle on their hands.

A wounded Murray however, should never be discounted.

“No matter what happened against Anderson, he’s dangerous anyway, “ said Smith.

“It was a cruel loss and blow for him to lose to Federer at Wimbledon and that was a tough one to swallow. Then he takes a few days and gets back to practice to put everything out on the court against France.

“This is a sore one but he will dust it down and go again. He really enjoyed Queens in the last round, enjoyed the atmosphere a lot but Glasgow will be special. I’m from Glasgow and I know everyone is talking about this tie coming up.

"It's high on the sporting agenda and there’s a huge amount of excitement, he’s obviously going to be absolutely pumped for it now.

"It’s going to be a special weekend.”

No matter how under par Murray was on the Louis Armstrong stadium – the secondary court here has caused him more heartache than arguably any other arena in the world – Anderson, in reaching the last eight of a major for the very first time – was inspired.

Knowing the Scot’s brilliance in returning, the 29 year-old kept the points short, his fearsome forehand flying from the frame with breathtaking force. Amazingly, 157 points had been played before Murray , who produced just 20 unforced errors , garnered his very first point with the same shot, one which is ordinarily so effective.

Chances were missed , no more so than when the world No.3 was broken at 1-4 despite being 40-0 , yet it wasn’t to be.

“I'm not a machine. My body hurts," said Murray. “I was just trying to fight my way right through to the end and make it as difficult for him as possible. I'm proud of the way I did that.

“Whatever the captain wants I'll do. I know how difficult it was against France in the last round of Davis Cup, playing all three days in a row, after Wimbledon. At least now I have some extra days where I can actually take a proper break for three, four days, and let myself rest

and recover.

“I didn't have that luxury after Wimbledon, when I finished on the Friday and was practising again on the Monday. Hopefully I'll be fine for the doubles and singles.This was a hard one to lose though.”

Redemption, however, awaits in Scotland.

Murray’s scriptwriters, whoever they are, continue to impress.