Neil Robertson ‘struggling so much physically’ due to illness in Masters loss to Shaun Murphy

The Australian arrived at the Alexandra Palace as the defending champion and hot favourite to see off a player who had been struggling for form in 2022/23.

But Robertson had been struck down with illness over the festive period, and was loaded up on painkillers to get him to the venue.

His practice regime was hit by his illness, and he looked out of sorts for long spells of the match.

Robertson fought back from 5-1 down and raised hope of a 147 – which gave him a pop of adrenaline – but he could not see it through, and revealed after the contest that he was struggling with illness.

“When I look back it is probably one of the best performances of my career,” Robertson told Eurosport. “I had a horrendous bout of flu over the Christmas and New Year, just been in bed for a week and a half.

“Mille (Robertson’s wife) has been amazing as she got it as well but got up to look after the kids to allow me to get as much rest as possible.

“I have been going to the club and doing about 45 minutes (practice), which is about the most I can do.

“I am on a lot of painkillers and was really struggling out there physically.”

The Alexandra Palace crowd urged Robertson on, particularly during his 147 bid, but he had nothing left in the tank to get over the line.

“I have to thank the crowd,” Robertson said. “They gave me something, especially in the 147 attempt.

“I wanted to try and make a maximum and then be happy with losing.

“At least I could make a match of it. Shaun let me off, he should have won 6-1.

“I was struggling so much physically. Every shot was so hard to play.

“It was only during the 147 attempt that some adrenaline kicked in and it was a kind of second wind.

“I had a chance to get to 5-5, but my knees were shaking at that point. It was tough.

“It is disappointing as a couple of tournaments have been ruined by preparation due to illness.”

Robertson arrived slightly late for the match after forgetting his cue, but he said that had no impact.

“I was like one minute down the road so it kind of did not affect it,” the Australian said. “I still got here 45 minutes before the match so it was nothing.”

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