Andy Murray started what is probably going to be his final farewell to the Queen on Tuesday by defeating Alexei Popyrin.
The 37-year-old Murray defeated the 48th-ranked Australian 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the 1,000th match of his career at the Tour level. Murray is a record five-time champion at the grass-court tournament in London.
Having physical difficulties, the former world number one from Britain lost the second set and moaned after each serve.
However, he responded in the third game, bringing up the breakpoint and sending it down with a precise backhand to win in one hour and fifty-one minutes. His classic cross-court winner and fist pump lifted the enthusiastic audience.
Murray, set to retire either after Wimbledon or the Olympics, said: “I’ve not got too many wins this year; it’s been a difficult season, and I did well to come through in the end. Any win you can get is important; that’s why we play. With Wimbledon a few weeks away, I want to get some matches in my legs and some confidence. It’s great to get another win here.”
He further said: “I’ve felt better, but it was enough today. My mom told me it was my 1,000th match and that’s a lot of matches, a lot of wear and tear on the body and it’s not easy, but I managed to push through it.”
Andy Murray after playing his 1000th match on tour
“Physically how are you feeling when you know you had the ankle ligament injury.. the back.. how are you?”
Andy: “I’ve felt better. 😂
*crowd laughs*
Andy: “I didn’t realize, my mom told me it’s my 1000th match on tour. A lot… pic.twitter.com/yeXUYmO9Hp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 18, 2024
Murray in London, ranking, and results in 2024
LWLLLLWLWW Ranked no.129, Andy owns an overall 7-12 win-loss record in 2024. The Brit is competing in London where he toppled the world no.48 Alexei Popyrin 6-3 3-6 6-3.
Andy Murray will fight against the world no.43 Jordan Thompson in the 2nd round on Wednesday at 3:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their record is 1-1.
Andy won 46 titles in his career: 20 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts, 14 on indoor courts, 1 on carpet courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Eastbourne (Rothesay International) on the 24th of June and Wimbledon (Wimbledon) on the 1st of July.
Andy Murray |
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