Sir Andy Murray

[Damian]

Is Swiatek One Step Closer To Practise With Murray?

Spoiler:

Murray and Swiatek spoke at Wimbledon after exciting Twitter exchange
Could WTA star Iga Swiatek be one step closer to practising with two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray?

The former World No. 1 trained with Roger Federer at Wimbledon on Friday as he prepares to return to singles action at SW19 for the first time since 2017. Swiatek, the seventh seed in the ladies’ singles draw is still waiting patiently for her chance.

You May Also Like: Preview: Can Murray Make Winning Return At Wimbledon?
“We actually spoke yesterday just for a second because we were both going the same way to the practice,” Swiatek said, cracking a smile. “I joked that maybe we're going to the same practice. But I assume he's pretty busy.

“Maybe that's going to come up again, but really, he's such a nice guy. It's just nice to talk with him and to meet him. It would be great to play with him, but I don't want to be too high maintenance."

Swiatek impressed Murray so much at Roland Garros that he took to Twitter to commend her, with an excited Swiatek then asking to hit with the Scot in her reply.


Swiatek is not the only WTA player to have set her sights on a hit with an ATP star. The World No. 35 Daria Kasatkina took to the court with eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut at the All England Club ahead of her opening match.

“Very intensive practice today at Wimbledon,” Kasatkina wrote. “Thanks a lot to fillete (steak), Carlos Martinez and Roberto Bautista Agut, 40 minutes was more than enough.”

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/swiatek ... 021-sunday

[Nando]

[Kamileki]

[Art]

[Damian]

[Damian]

Murray Escapes Basilashvili To Make Winning Return At Wimbledon

Spoiler:

Brit awaits winner of Otte and Rinderknech
Two-time former champion Andy Murray made a dramatic return to singles action at the All England Club on Monday, overcoming a late wobble as he toppled 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the second round at Wimbledon.

Murray led 5-0 in the third set and was on the verge of closing out a straightforward victory. But after a stunning swing that sent the match into a fourth set, Murray battled to victory in three hours and 32 minutes.

"I definitely should have finished it up a lot sooner than what I did," Murray said. "[But] I don't think there are that many players that would have won that fourth set."

The Scot was making his first Wimbledon singles appearance since 2017, when he reached the quarter-finals before falling to Sam Querrey in five sets. He missed the 2018 event due to ongoing recovery from hip surgery, and competed only in men’s doubles (w/Herbert) and mixed doubles (w/S. Williams) here in 2019.

Playing in just his fourth tour-level event of the year, Murray fired 17 aces against Basilashvili as he improved his perfect record in Wimbledon first rounds to 13-0. He is now 3-3 on the season.

You May Also Like: Murray: ‘If My Body Holds Up, I Can Do Well’
Murray, currently No. 118 in the FedEx ATP Rankings, had his work cut out for him as he faced the in-form Basilashvili, who has lifted two ATP Tour trophies this season, on Centre Court.

The wild card did not face a break point, but was unable to make any inroads in the Georgian’s service games across the first nine games of the first set. Murray chipped away at Basilashvili’s aggressive game by adding variety to his groundstrokes, breaking up his opponent’s rhythm and never letting him get comfortable.

As a result, Murray earned 39 unforced errors off the Georgian’s racquet in the match, and 13 in the first set. A Basilashvili drop shot attempt into the net took Murray to his first break point at 5-4, which he converted to take the opening set.

With the first set under his belt, Murray settled into the match and redirected Basilashvili’s pace as he fired nine winners to take the second. He was nearly untouchable in the early stretches of the third set, with three breaks of serve – including back-to-back breaks to love – putting him 5-0 ahead and closing in on the victory.


But Basilashvili refused to wilt away, and the 24th seed took advantage of a spate of unforced errors from Murray to work his way back into the set. He got two of the breaks back as he directed traffic to the misfiring Murray backhand, and saved two match points to close the gap to 5-4.

Murray’s first serve percentage took a dive in the second half of the third set (from 84 per cent in the first set to 56 per cent) as Basilashvili kept the pressure on. The Georgian broke twice more, and Murray struck his 13th unforced error of the set to give Basilashvili a lifeline in the match.

"I think I played well up until probably 5-3 in the third set. That's never happened to me before in my career, being three breaks, a serve up and two sets to love up. Never had that happen before," Murray said. "But [those are] the sorts of things that can happen when you haven't played any matches. Things can get away from you a little bit quick."

View Monday's Schedule | Listen To Radio Wimbledon | List Of Broadcasters (PDF)

After a brief pause in play to close the roof over Centre Court, Murray came back swinging in the fourth set as he edged his way in front after three straight breaks and held serve for the first time in six service games to lead 3-1. That would prove to be decisive as, nearly one hour and a half after his first match points, Murray once again arrived at match point. This time, he claimed the victory to see off Basilashvili and book a place in the second round.

"It's an unbelievable effort I think for him after surgery, after so many comebacks to come back and fight. He fights unbelievably, and I was expecting that. We all know how big [of a] fighter he is on court," Basilashvili said. "Well done to him."

Murray will next face either German qualifier Oscar Otte or French qualifier Arthur Rinderknech. Otte and Rinderknech were deadlocked after three hours and 39 minutes in the fifth set at 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(5), 9-9 when their match was suspended due to darkness. Rinderknech claimed the first set while Otte took the next two, before the Frenchman sent them into a fifth.

Did You Know?
Murray is contesting his 51st Grand Slam event here, extending his record for most Grand Slam appearances by a British man in the Open Era. He claimed sole ownership of the record, ahead of Tim Henman, by contesting his 50th Grand Slam event at Roland Garros last year.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/wimbled ... nday-day-1

[Damian]

Resilient Murray's Clear Message: 'I'm Going To Keep Playing'

Spoiler:

The former World No. 1 reflects on his adventurous first-round win on Monday
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray flirted with disaster on Monday evening on Centre Court. The former World No. 1 led 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-3, 5-0, putting himself on the verge of a berth into the second round at the grass-court major. But that advantage rapidly disappeared.

Suddenly, Basilashvili won seven consecutive games to force a fourth set and the momentum was fully on the Georgian’s side. Would the Scot be able to physically and mentally recover from that letdown? Like he has throughout his career, Murray fought back. It is the same trait that has helped him return from his latest hip surgery of 2019, and it is that resilience that carried him to a four-set triumph against Basilashvili.

“I didn't deal with the pressure well at the end of the third set. But having to come back out and try and win a match, having just lost seven games in a row from 5-Love up on Centre Court, a lot of players would have capitulated there, and I did the opposite of that,” Murray said. “There is pressure in that moment as well. When you're starting the fourth set, having just lost seven games on the spin, the headlines of that [would have been that] you have choked… and it's one of the worst defeats of your career.

“[That is] what you would have heard after that match had I lost. [It] is not easy to turn that around.”

You May Also Like: Murray Escapes Basilashvili To Make Winning Return At Wimbledon
Murray’s battling spirit was apparent, and it was not something new. Tennis fans have seen it throughout the 34-year-old’s career. But where did he learn to compete as well as he does?

“I was just exposed to competition from a very young age with my brother and then with tennis and playing sports,” Murray said. “There was that element of winning and losing, elements of [that in] pretty much everything I was doing as my hobbies or in my spare time.

“Whether that was playing football or tennis, golf, whatever, I was always playing games and always competing. I have enjoyed playing board games and that sort of stuff. just done it loads since I was a kid, so I just had a lot of exposure to it it just comes quite naturally.”

After the match, Murray had plenty of emotions. The Scot was thrilled to win, and he was even in a joking mood after disclosing that he used the restroom during the break after the third set — Murray made sure to note it was a “No. 1” — when the roof was closed. But most noticeably, the three-time Grand Slam winner made clear that he is here to stay.


“I keep getting asked is this going to be my last Wimbledon, last match? I don't know why I keep getting asked about it,” Murray said on court. “No, I'm going to keep playing. I want to play... I can still play at the highest level. He's ranked 28th in the world and I haven't hardly played any matches and I beat him.”

It was a memorable match for Murray, who enjoyed the loud crowd on Centre Court, which helped push him through despite his hiccup.

“I realised the past 18 months not to take moments like that for granted. Enjoy those things that we love doing,” Murray said. “I think everyone was into it today. It was a really good atmosphere, and it didn't feel like the crowd was half full.”

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/murray- ... 1-reaction

[Nando]

[Bombardiero]

[Nando]

[Damian]

Murray's Documentary Made Otte Cry; Now They Play At Wimbledon

Spoiler:

This will be the pair's first ATP Head2Head clash
Oscar Otte has never played Andy Murray. But when they walk on Centre Court Wednesday for their second-round match at Wimbledon, the German will bring plenty of respect for the former World No. 1, and not just because of his tennis achievements.

“He’s huge in tennis. When I watched his documentary when it came out, I was actually crying,” Otte said. “It was so emotional and so inspiring. I'm probably talking for other players, too. He's just a huge icon in the sport.”

“Andy Murray: Resurfacing” was released in 2019, and it detailed the Scot’s gruelling journey back from hip resurfacing surgery and the lengths to which the three-time Grand Slam champion went to continue his career. The emotional intensity of the documentary caught Otte’s attention.

“Of course it's difficult to perform [at a] high level with surgeries like this, but everybody knows he's one of the best tennis players ever. And when he gets in control of his body, I think everybody knows he can still beat the top guys and [go] far in tournaments,” Otte said. “I'm actually not really surprised. He has a big team behind him, physios, everything. I think they are taking very good care of him, and he's just an unreal athlete and one of the best ever.”


You May Also Like: Resilient Murray's Clear Message: 'I'm Going To Keep Playing'
The 27-year-old is competing in his first Wimbledon main draw. He has previously played the Roland Garros main draw three times. This year in Paris, Otte won the first two sets of his first-round match against Alexander Zverev, before ultimately falling in five sets. He said: “The first two-and-a-half sets were probably the best sets of my whole life. I was playing unreal."

“With my ranking, you don't have the option to have big matches like this [often],” Otte said. “I’m just really looking forward for the whole day tomorrow.”

The World No. 151 made the most of his debut at SW19 by beating Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(5), 13-12(2) across Monday and Tuesday. After completing his victory, Otte did not realise he had won. But when the chair umpire announced he had triumphed, the German showed plenty of emotions.

“I actually thought it was going to 10. I don't know why. I was talking with my coach before the match, and we were both saying in case it goes up to 12-All, it's a [Match] Tie-break,” Otte said. “I actually didn't realise as I was pretty shocked when I heard ‘game, set, match, Otte.’ Better this way around than the other way around, for sure.”

It was just the second men’s singles match at Wimbledon to go to a Match Tie-break after Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in the 2019 final.

Listen To Radio Wimbledon | List Of Broadcasters (PDF)

The 27-year-old will hope to summon his best as he tries to reach the third round at a major for the first time. Otte knows this is a big moment in his career.

“[It] will be a pretty big match tomorrow. The crowd probably won't be on my side, but that's okay for me, of course,” Otte said. “I have my coach here, my girlfriend I think can be enough, but we will see. In general, he’s an inspiring athlete and I'm really happy to have a chance to play against him tomorrow.”

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/otte-mu ... ew-feature

[Lleyton]

[Kamileki]

[Nando]

[Damian]

[Damian]

Murray’s Dramatic Comeback Keeps Wimbledon Run Alive

Spoiler:

Seeded Brits Evans, Norrie also advance
Former champion Andy Murray trailed by two sets to one on Wednesday night, but he rallied back under the lights on Centre Court to take down qualifier Oscar Otte 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and return to the third round at Wimbledon.

Murray, who is competing at The Championships with a wild card, is contesting his first singles campaign at SW19 since 2017 as he continues to make his way back to full form after undergoing hip surgeries. He recorded an upset over 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashivili in the previous round, though he quickly had his hands full against a determined Otte, who previously pushed World No. 6 Alexander Zverev to five sets in their Roland Garros meeting last month.

But the Brit never stopped fighting, and he rallied the fans on Centre Court to maintain his perfect record of always reaching the third round at Wimbledon in 13 appearances. Murray will next face 10th seed Denis Shapovalov, who received a walkover from Pablo Andujar (rib injury) to advance.

"It's been tough. But that's one of the reasons why I'm still playing, is because of moments like [this]. Like, why would you want to give that up?" Murray said. "The atmosphere was good the whole match, but especially the last sort of hour and a half was brilliant. I still enjoy that."

You May Also Like: Murray's Documentary Made Otte Cry; Now They Play At Wimbledon
Murray looked to be in control in the early stages as he took the opening set without facing a break point and led by 3-1 in the second. But Otte worked his way back into the contest as he took advantage of unforced errors creeping into Murray’s game, and pounced on attackable second serves. The Brit’s familiar disgruntled commentary grew in volume along with his frustration, as Otte reeled off four games in a row to take the second set 6-4 and edged through with a break in the third.

But with the qualifier charging toward the finish line, the match had one final twist left as play was paused at 2-2 in the fourth set to close the roof over Centre Court due to darkness. Murray used the pause to hit the reset button, and returned with renewed determination as the crowd’s vocal support seemed to amplify.

"The crowd created a great atmosphere, but I think I was also engaging them and we were feeding off each other a lot at the end," Murray said. "I'm aware in the moment, I know what a great atmosphere is in tennis. I have played in a few of them over the years, and that was definitely one of them."


Murray kept Otte on the move with smart forays to the net, and he took a 3-0 lead in the fifth set with a drop shot to claim a break of serve. He held firm against Otte’s firepower, escaping with his serve after a tight 4-2 game where he was pushed to deuce three times, closing it out with a passing shot on the run. After three hours and 50 minutes, Murray sealed the victory with a backhand lob winner to claim his place in the third round.

Elsewhere in Murray’s section of the draw, Cameron Norrie came back from a set down against Lucas Pouille to win 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-2, 7-5. The 29th seed claimed all three sets played today after their match was suspended yesterday due to darkness.

Norrie, who reached the cinch Championships final at The Queen’s Club, dictated play as he created 17 break opportunities throughout the match, and converted on seven occasions. He moved into the second round for the second time and will next face Australian wild card Alex Bolt.

View Schedule | Listen To Radio Wimbledon | List Of Broadcasters (PDF)

“I'm feeling good. I think I've done well to keep momentum. I keep building on the matches,” Norrie said. “I think today that was a good example of obviously winning a lot this year, having a lot of confidence, and getting through a lot of tough matches.”

Also in action, 22nd-seeded Daniel Evans cruised past Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in under two hours on No. 1 Court to reach the third round. The current British No. 1 equalled his best Wimbledon result (also 2016 and 2019) after firing 22 winners and saving five of the seven break points faced. He will face #NextGenATP Sebastian Korda next.

Did You Know?
Murray is contesting his 51st Grand Slam event here, extending his record for most Grand Slam appearances by a British man in the Open Era. He claimed sole ownership of the record, ahead of Tim Henman, by contesting his 50th Grand Slam event at Roland Garros last year.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/murray- ... -wednesday

[Damian]

Are You Looking At Me?! Who’s On The End Of Murray’s Stare Down?

Spoiler:

The former World No. 1 next plays Shapovalov
Andy Murray’s five-set victory against Oscar Otte on Wednesday evening was a typical Murray experience. There were many ups and downs, and he showed both positive and negative emotions. After finding a way through, the Scot lifted both arms as if he was a gladiator who just triumphed at the Colosseum.

“One of the reasons why I'm still playing is because of moments like that,” Murray said. “Why would you want to give that up? The atmosphere… was good the whole match, but especially the last hour-and-a-half was brilliant. I still enjoy that.”


Play was suspended early in the fourth set, with Murray down two sets to one. The two-time Wimbledon champion returned to Centre Court keen to use the crowd to his advantage.

“I picked a few people in the crowd and was basically staring at them pretty much after every point and trying to just engage with them,” Murray said. “The crowd created a great atmosphere, but I think I was also engaging them and we were feeding off each other a lot at the end.

“I’m aware in the moment. I know what a great atmosphere is in tennis. I have played in a few of them over the years, and that was definitely one of them. Obviously when the atmosphere is like that and things are going your way, it's a nice feeling.”

You May Also Like: Murray’s Dramatic Comeback Keeps Wimbledon Run Alive
Murray spotted several fans whom he engaged with, including two guys with Scotland rugby shirts.

“They were just really loud and it was quite close to where I was getting my towel and stuff, and they were always sort of standing up,” Murray said. “Then there was the other guy that was down at near where the radio booths were. He was just standing up all the time and getting pumped and he just caught my eye.

“Each time I won a point, and even when I lost points just [was] looking at him. The crowd feels that I guess and feel like you're feeding off them and stuff. It was nice. It helps. It's something I have done a number of times over the years in certain matches.

“I hope the fans like it and don't think that it's a bit weird that I'm sort of staring at them and screaming at them for like an hour, but they seem to enjoy it, as well.”

It will not get any easier for Murray, who will next play dynamic shotmaker Denis Shapovalov, who is seeded 10th. This will be their first ATP Head2Head meeting.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/murray- ... 2-reaction

[Bombardiero]

[Barty]

[Art]