aAndy Murray had forgotten the last time he arrived at Surbiton. It was in 2004, he played a man named Jimmy Wang and he retired hurt. “I slipped and my groin hurt,” she recalled after being given the sign. Memories are made of this.
To say that Monday’s event was low-key might be an underestimate. A part of the ATP’s Challenger circuit, the Surbiton Trophy sits one level below the actual men’s Tour (but still generates points for rankings, which this year may call for Wimbledon itself). It is probably the only event Murray will participate in this year with chemical toilets and it also closed most of the afternoon, it was an English summer centre. In spite of all this, some heart-wrenching matter remained in the whole matter.
First, there’s always something about grizzled champions that grinds to an end in such a way that the quest for victory is what keeps them alive. Murray defeated Austria’s Jurij Rodionov 6-2, 6-1 in less than an hour in the first round of the season’s first grass court tournament.
The first set was equally notable for the constant moaning and throbbing that was heard during the warm-up, but tennis got better in the second. Murray was quick on the net, effective with the lob, but on the rare occasion when the competition broke down into actual rallies, he was also decisive with a series of powerful winners down the line and across the court. The winning point got a double fist pump through commemoration. It meant something.
Secondly, there was evidence of the irrevocable undead of a man who has not changed for all that life has thrown at him. Currently ranked 67th in the world, Murray’s presence at Surbiton is part of best planning for Wimbledon, six weeks out and a tournament for which he is not talking about his chances of success.
“I have high hopes for myself and I have high goals,” he said after Rodionov’s victory. “I’ve talked about them with my team, but I won’t share them here. Although there should be a lot of expectations, grass is my best surface, I feel strong and I will prepare as best I can .
His preparation has been so sincere that Murray reveals he is in talks with a potential couple mate. He and Emma Radukanu chatted, with Murray saying “I’d love to play doubles with Emma at some point”. Yet another compelling couple act may just be passed to follow the memorable Andy and Serena Williams combination of 2019.
After pulling out of the French Open last week due to illness, Murray will take on the commuter belt in Surrey this week and Germany next week and then in Queens. In the meantime, he will have to continue fielding questions not only about his fitness and will, but also about his defense of the tournament, which has cemented its place in history and is still haunted by many of his teammates this summer. can be considered as an idea.
The decision by the ATP and WTA to remove Wimbledon from their ranking points as a reaction to the SW19 ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes is something that hasn’t heated up a week after Murray spoke out against it on Twitter.
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“I don’t think removing points is what the players wanted,” he said, “I don’t know who benefits from it. A lot of players are disappointed but most felt that there should have been a reaction that was beneficial for future tours.” Could have been. I don’t think anyone is involved [in the decision] Supports what is happening in Ukraine. But I am not sure it is a good move of ATP. we had a conversation with him [as part of a players’ council] Were good, but after a few days they took away the points.”
Murray has said that he will play to compete at Wimbledon, albeit missing points, and perhaps some prestige. Getting out on a chilly and sultry afternoon in Surbiton was an act that underscored his point.