Andy Murray conceded individual errors had proved his undoing at this year’s ATP World Tour Finals as he exited the competition after defeat to Stan Wawrinka.
Both players went into the match knowing victory would book their spot in the semi-finals in London where they would face Roger Federer.
But as it was it was Federer’s Swiss compatriot Wawrinka who came through after triumphing 7-6 6-4 against the British number one.
Murray hit 22 winners over the course of the one hour and 53 minute match but crucially he was guilty of 30 unforced errors – the latter statistic having also troubled him in his loss to Rafael Nadal in the previous match.
He had been 4-2 up in the tie-break but lost five straight points as Wawrinka wrapped up the opening set before then racing into a 5-2 lead in the second.
And while Murray rallied briefly gaining a break back, he was unable to turn the match in his favour to avoid defeat.
"My timing wasn't there certainly the last few days," he said.
"I made way too many errors the last two matches. Everyone obviously can make mistakes, it's just more on easy shots, cheap errors.
"That's something for the most part of this year I haven't been doing."
Murray now turns his attentions to Great Britain’s Davis Cup final against Belgium on clay next weekend.
It will be Great Britain’s first Davis Cup final since 1978 although he insisted the match had not weighed heavily on his mind during his time in London.
"I didn't find it difficult not thinking about the Davis Cup Final, to be honest," said Murray.
"Obviously the only positive for me this week is I've come away from it injury-free. Now I have a couple more days to get ready for Belgium."
Sportsbeat 2015