Newspaper and internet reports

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/davis-cup-semifinals-2016-saturday-murray-dodig-cilic) - Murrays' Heroics Keep Brits Afloat; Croatia Edges Ahead

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/17/andy-jamie-murray-great-britain-argentina-davis-cup-doubles) - Andy and Jamie Murray win doubles to keep Davis Cup hopes alive

[lynne]

Sunday Express.....Captain Leon Smith....http://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/711933/GB-captain-Leon-Smith-coy-on-Andy-Murray-Davis-Cup-exit-claims-after-Argentina-defeat

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37403327) - Davis Cup: Leon Smith 'extremely proud' despite Great Britain's defeat by Argentina

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37402589) - Tennis Scotland hopes to build 10 new courts around country

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37401472) - Davis Cup: Leonardo Mayer beats Dan Evans, Argentina beat Great Britain

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37410143) - Kyle Edmund & Dan Evans must be consistent on tour - Leon Smith

Evening Standard (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-i-need-a-break-from-tennis-and-i-need-it-now-a3348421.html)- Andy Murray: I need a break from tennis, and I need it now

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/09/19/andy-murray-needs-to-be-selfish-and-stop-playing-davis-cup/) - Why Andy Murray needs to start being selfish and stop playing Davis Cup

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis/leon-smith-pays-tribute-murray-8865554) - Leon Smith pays tribute to Murray brothers commitment to Davis Cup cause

Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/britains-davis-cup-captain-leon-8865895) - Britain's Davis Cup captain Leon Smith hails 'tough nut' Andy Murray after semi-final defeat

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3795455/Dan-Evans-loses-semi-final-clash-Leonardo-Mayer-Argentina-send-Great-Britain-packing-Davis-Cup.html)- Dan Evans loses semi final clash to Leonardo Mayer as Argentina send Great Britain packing from Davis Cup

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/18/davis-cup-semi-final-andy-murray-great-britain-argentina) - Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer beats Dan Evans to end British Davis Cup hopes

[cazza99]

Givemesport (http://www.givemesport.com/874012-video-andy-murray-provides-hilarious-response-regarding-medical-timeout) - Video: Andy Murray provides hilarious response regarding medical timeout

[Bardot]

Hibernian FC (http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/6815) - Persevered Tour visits the Murrays.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CszyZl5XgAAoDYz.jpg

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUM3abJMLDQ

[Stell]

BBC website - Cities to bid for finals in Davis and Fed Cup revamp.

[Rosalind]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37427007

I have attached link - not sure if it will work as rarely do this. I so hope not too much is changed. Maybe dates, maybe frequency but nothing should spoil the atmosphere. I hope sensible people are involved in the decision making.

Mind you, beware of the word "could"!

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37421695) - Andy Murray: Time to capitalise on tennis success with more Scottish facilities

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37427243) - Constant Lestienne banned for seven months for betting on 220 matches

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX86PttmQo0

[Bardot]

STV (http://stv.tv/sport/tennis/1367715-andy-murray-won-t-alter-2017-schedule-in-bid-to-become-world-s-best/) - Andy Murray won't alter 2017 schedule in bid to become world's best

[pabbers]

Yes but what IS his 2017 schedule?

[Bardot]

Yes but what IS his 2017 schedule?

Well if he's not altering his schedule then it will be the same as this year. ;)

[pabbers]

Well if he's not altering his schedule then it will be the same as this year. ;)

Erm......Olympics???

[Bardot]

Erm......Olympics???

Goes without saying, he's not playing the Olympics next year.

[Rosalind]

the interview was fairly clear: no major change from this year. So DC included! Andy is so sensible when he answers questions. We speculate for ages and he just comes out with the fact that the DC only really interfered with IW and you realise that makes sense.
I'm going to stop second guessing and leave it to him! :superman:

[Stell]

Yahoo website - McEnroe annoyed at new film about him and Borg. Apparently, Shia LaBeouf (whoever he is) will be playing McEnroe in the film and is learning how to play tennis right handed even though McEnroe was left handed.

[Jan]

Yahoo website - McEnroe annoyed at new film about him and Borg. Apparently, Shia LaBeouf (whoever he is) will be playing McEnroe in the film and is learning how to play tennis right handed even though McEnroe was left handed.
You cannot be serious!!!
;)

[piscesperson]

Andy and Jamie Murray reflect on 'great year'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37434116

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray welcomes Davis Cup revamp but 'not sold' on venue plans
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37434116

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray exploring idea of hosting regular Tour event at the Hydro
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14756783.Andy_Murray_exploring_idea_of_hosting_reg ular_Tour_event_at_the_Hydro/

[cazza99]

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-backs-plans-bring-8889071) - Andy Murray backs plans to bring ATP Tour event to Glasgow

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3801231/Andy-Murray-hopes-lasting-legacy-ATP-Tour-event-Scotland.html) - Andy Murray hopes his lasting legacy will be ATP Tour event in Scotland

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Tennis_Stories/36513/wimbledon-master-plan-70million-court-1-roof-project-begins/) - Wimbledon Master Plan: £70million Court 1 roof project begins

[Alis]

From the Daily Record article: 'He (Andy) approved of the idea of shortening the format to best of three rubbers, to be played Saturday/Sunday, but had yet to be persuaded on the merits of playing the finals at a neutral city. All these changes could come on stream if ratified at the ITF AGM in August 2017.'

I'm confused - does that mean playing best of three sets for five rubbers or best of five sets for three rubbers or even best of three sets for three rubbers? Is it just bad reporting or have I totally misunderstood what is being proposed?



Edit: I've just read what Andy actually said in The Herald which throws a little more light on the subject:

'Personally, coming off the Olympics, Cincinatti and the US Open and being on court for 11 hours, or whatever it was over three days, was really hard. A lot of players have spoken about that, maybe shortening the format, playing it Saturday /Sunday, best of three sets and I like that idea. If it doesn't work, you could always change back but I think trying something new would give the event a lift in terms of participation of the top players. In terms of neutral venue, I am not sold on that yet. The home and away aspect is something I enjoy, and makes it special in comparison to the other events. It is something we as tennis players aren't used to because we travel round the world playing in neutral venues all the time.'

[piscesperson]

There are a couple of video clips with Andy here:
https://www.facebook.com/capitalfmscotland/
1. Andy doing 'Lips Are Moving'
2. Andy watching Des Clarke doing an impression of Andy

[angiebabez]

Soo good this one

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/14762375.Scott_Mullen__Why_we_re_right_to_love_And y_Murray/?ref=fbshr

[Teresa]

Soo good this one

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/14762375.Scott_Mullen__Why_we_re_right_to_love_And y_Murray/?ref=fbshr


Will keep that one. It's an interesting point. Can anyone think of any other British Sportsperson who could fill an arena that size, just to watch the aforesaid sportsperson mucking about for a couple of hours? I can't.

[cazza99]

Courier (https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/tennis/290768/opinion-scottish-tennis-needs-make-sure-andy-murray-legacy/) - Opinion: Scottish tennis needs to make sure there is an Andy Murray legacy

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37486412) - Johanna Konta beats Zhang Shuai to reach last 16 at Wuhan Open

Glasgow Live (http://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/glasgow-tennis-players-test-skills-11940381)- Glasgow tennis players test their skills against Wimbledon champion Andy Murray

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotland-now/andy-murrays-cromlix-hotel-named-8923776) - Andy Murray's Cromlix Hotel named AA Hotel of the Year in Scotland

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/andy-murray-amal-clooney-different-8915338) - Andy Murray and Amal Clooney may be as different as chalk and cheese, but they are both heroes in my eyes – Clare Johnston

[Bardot]

It's award season again and at the Scottish Sports Awards dinner in Edinburgh tonight, Andy won Male Athlete of the Year. He wasn't in attendance.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CteR1CZWEAA6ltY.jpg

[Bardot]

However Andy didn't win "Sporting Moment of the Year" which was chosen by public vote although he's probably even more delighted with what did. ;)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CteUgzrXEAAX_Gs.jpg

[Bardot]

The awards keep coming....

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CteXt9fXgAI-9Mc.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/CteWwu_WgAAeiy3.jpg

Gordon Reid won the award for Para-sport Athlete of the Year however Leon Smith lost out for coach of the year with the award going to University of Stirling swimming coaches.

Andy's grandparents picked up the overall award on Andy's behalf.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CteZDvmW8AAB0NL.jpg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bXO24uEtt0

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37505282) - Andy Murray wins Scottish sportsperson of the year award

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37500240) - Joshua Chetty: Tennis player handed life ban over match-fixing

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37495486) - Johanna Konta beats Carla Suarez Navarro to reach quarter-finals at Wuhan Open

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37446326) - Quick-fire questions with Andy and Jamie Murray (video interview)
Andy would have been called Sarah if he had been born as a girl. Jamie's gran wanted him to be called Arthur.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37523170) - Turkish tennis officials given life bans for manipulating scores

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10600941/andy-murray-to-play-in-china-open-after-overcoming-thigh-strain) - Andy Murray to play in China Open after overcoming thigh strain

Live tennis (http://www.livetennis.com/category/livetennis-news/atp-beijing-2016-draw-preview-20161001-0005/) - China Open ATP Beijing 2016 draw preview and matches to watch: Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Milos Raonic to do battle in Beijing

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/17677425/will-tradition-heavy-game-tennis-accept-change) - Will the tradition-heavy game of tennis accept change?

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/jamie-murr-8918056) - Jamie Murray urges the Scottish Government to back family's tennis centre to unearth future stars

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray chases China Open glory to close the gap on Novak Djokovic
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/01/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-china-open-beijing

[Rosalind]

Andy lighthearted interview:
https://www.facebook.com/IPTL/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf

[Josephine]

Is he doing IPTL this year? He is so funny about the maid who followed him about. He seems sort of naive..... mind you I suppose he didn't say what happened after the arm stroking! ;)

[angiebabez]

Wow! Poor Andy, i would have freaked at that maid incident!! Wonder what he done or said to her?? :nailbiter:

[jagmad]

JOSEPHINE!!
Words fail me.

Except one.
Sewer.
;)

[jagmad]

Wow! Poor Andy, i would have freaked at that maid incident!! Wonder what he done or said to her?? :nailbiter:

Now your at it as well. Angie.?!

;);)

[angiebabez]

Im just wanting to know what the rules are on this sort of thing so i know for next time i burst into leons hotel room :laugh:

[jagmad]

Im just wanting to know what the rules are on this sort of thing so i know for next time i burst into leons hotel room :laugh:

I don't think bursting in is your best tactic.
Mind you, neither is creeping in and stroking his arm.

[Rosalind]

the maid thing was scary :yikes:
Andy is very funny and laid back and when asked about his "English sense of humour", he didn't even blink! Where do they find these interviewers! :facepalm:

[Bardot]

The "stroking maid" story has blown up with the tabloids now covering it. Andy can expect questions about it in his press conference.

[Stell]

I've just read about the stroking maid. The weird thing is, which I read, she turned up at other tournaments where he was also playing.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37535704) - Andy Murray keen to depose Novak Djokovic as world number one

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37549431) - China Open: Andy Murray eases past Andreas Seppi in Beijing

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37554083) - Andy Murray 'stalked' by arm-stroking maid

[Josephine]

Well the maid story has really taken off! Don't suppose Andy realised he was setting off such interest when he gave that interview.

Guess some other tennis players might have acted a bit differently and wouldn't be telling the story!

[jagmad]

So will the next Daily Mail headline be:
Kim Sears dressed up as maid as prank?

Or maybe they will ask if it was the same maid who sneaked into
Robbie Williams room.

See Graham Norton show last week?
;)

[HoopGirl]

The maid story covered in the Times today - in the main section not the sport.

[Josephine]

So will the next Daily Mail headline be:
Kim Sears dressed up as maid as prank?

Or maybe they will ask if it was the same maid who sneaked into
Robbie Williams room.


See Graham Norton show last week?
;)

I literally saw 5 minutes of that show - but it was the 5 minutes you are referring to :shocked: - what a creep Williams is and how utterly lovely, sweet and adorable is our Andy.

[Bardot]

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=123944)

A. MURRAY/A. Seppi

6-2, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. That's now the eighth straight match you've been able to defeat Seppi. What makes you so successful against him?
ANDY MURRAY: Don't know. Maybe matchups obviously. You know, I feel like I'm able to get a lot of chances when he's serving. You know, give myself a lot of opportunities to break.

Then in the rallies, you know, try and use a lot of variety, not give him the same ball twice in a row because he's got very good timing, hits the ball very clean off both sides. So try to use some variety, not let him get into a rhythm. That's worked well for me.

Q. In a few hours we'll know the verdict in the Sharapova case. What would be your thoughts if the ban was reduced or if they stay with the three years' ban?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, it's a difficult situation because I think WADA obviously made some mistakes, you know, with the substance, with meldonium. A lot of athletes were let off because they didn't know how long the substance stayed in the system for. Obviously it became banned at the end of December. So some athletes had been let off. You could understand if it was reduced.

But, yeah, it's a difficult one because I think there's been some mistakes from WADA on this.

Q. Judging from your performance today, how much are you satisfied with your game at the moment, especially coming back from an injury?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I thought I did okay today considering I hadn't played much the last couple of weeks, didn't arrive here until a couple of days ago. I thought I did okay. I think I can play better.

But there was some good stuff in there. With each match I'll play better hopefully. It was the first time I practiced on center court, and played on center court today. So I wasn't that used to the speed of the court and how it felt out there.

But, yeah, I felt okay. Body felt fine. No injuries. Felt healthy. Just need matches now.

Q. You got another win last night with a simple shirt and jeans. You won the best dressed award. Does that say you are popular here? Was it a surprise?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I thought it was a joke. I thought it was a joke.

Yeah, we were told the fans voted for it, so I don't know how really that worked. Chinese have obviously got a good sense of humor.

But, yeah, I certainly wasn't expecting that. It's probably the first and last time I'll win an award like that.

Q. A bit more serious subject. I had an interview with Eric Butorac last month. He said the ATP needs to look into shortening matches. He said he spoke to you and that you were open-minded about it. Can you talk about your position on this, how the ATP needs to get the interest of the younger generation into tennis?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I'm open-minded to trying new things. I think in certain situations, if things aren't working, like for example the Davis Cup is a good example, where the players for a number of years have complained about the format a little bit, the timing and everything.

But sometimes it's good to try something new. If it doesn't work, then you can always go back to the original. But, you know, we spoke in the first player council meeting I was in about potentially shortening the matches in the Davis Cup, playing over a weekend, you know, rather than playing Friday, Saturday, Sunday. That was something I'm open to trying.

You know, the slams, if the matches are getting too long, which some people say they are, some people say they aren't, if the slams want to change or if the slams want to try something new...

I like the five-set format, but potentially shortening the sets to first of four or first of five games, I'm open to trying it if that's what the slams want and that's what the fans want to see. It's not just about what the players want all the time. Again, I'm open-minded to trying it. If it doesn't work, you can always go back.

But I think tennis is in a good place just now. I don't think we definitely have to change things, but I'm not against trying.

Q. Does the fact that you're chasing the No. 1 help you to get over the US Open, or was it particularly a disappointment?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, I kind of didn't expect to maybe play as well as I would have liked at the US Open because it had been a long few months for me. You know, I did all right. I fought till the end of the tournament. Maybe I could have done a little bit better. I was very close to winning the match against Kei. One or two points here or there could have changed the outcome of that.

I mean, yeah, I was disappointed after it. But I had the Davis Cup around the corner, and some other things happened away from the court which I never experienced in my life which put things in perspective, as well. I was fine.
Andy wins China's Next Top Model! :big grin: That explains why he went back on stage with Jankovic looking sheepish. ;) Shows how popular he is with the fans.

[Bardot]

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=123999)

A. MURRAY/A. Kuznetsov

6-2, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Your opponent tried to be aggressive in the match. He gave you trouble in your service games. How do you feel about that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, that was the one part of the game I could have done better tonight. I didn't start the match off serving very well. I served better in the second set, especially towards the end.

But, yeah, on this surface, when it's cold conditions, when you're serving, the beginning of the first set I was serving like probably 30% first serves. Gives your opponent a good chance to dictate the points.

Yeah, that's something I'll need to do better in my next one.

Q. Second match in as many days. How is the thigh holding up?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it's fine. I felt fine when I came here. I trained for a couple of days before coming to test it out. No problem. I've been moving well.

Actually felt quite quick on the court, which sometimes when you take a break, maybe takes a little bit of time to get that sharpness back.

But I think that's what my body needed at that stage of the season, after the amount of tennis I played. I needed some time away. I've gotten up to speed quite quickly again.

Q. There's this stalker story making the rounds. Can you tell us when did it happen? What actions were taken?
ANDY MURRAY: I've been told I'm not allowed to give any locations of where it happened. But it was over a number of tournaments in Europe.

But this happened a long time ago. This was not like in the last two, three years. This was like six years ago maybe. And, yeah, it went on for basically 12 months and then it stopped. Had no issues since then.

But, yeah, it was a pretty strange few months for me. Kind of everywhere I went, hotels around the world, I was kind of bumping into the same person. Someone had been in my room. So, yeah, it was a bit uncomfortable.

Thankfully it's done with now.

Q. Head were quite quick yesterday to come out with, We stood with Maria, hashtag, and received some flack for it. Do you think it was an appropriate response at the time?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think Head made themselves pretty clear in March time when obviously the story came out how they were going to handle it. They said that they were going to support her through it all. I don't think anyone maybe should have been surprised by it because of how they reacted in March.

I spoke about it back then, how I felt about it. Obviously when I was asked about it yesterday, I was asked about the sentence potentially being reduced. It doesn't mean I've changed my stance on how I feel about it.

Maria competed at the Australian Open whilst using a banned drug, and then deserves a suspension. The time of the suspension, that's not up to me. With everything that's gone on this year with meldonium, obviously there were going to be some issues with that legally.

But, yeah, obviously it's done now. I've answered so many questions on it this year, all through March, and again here, I don't feel like I need to keep talking about it. I've made my position very clear on how I felt about it. It's the same as it was in March, and I'll move on.

Q. How do you feel about the quarterfinals? You're going to play against your teammate, Kyle Edmund. How do you feel about playing against your teammate?
ANDY MURRAY: I'm fine with it. Like the day of the match, it's always a little bit uncomfortable because normally when you see your friends and stuff in the locker room, you have a chat, joke around a bit. But on match days, it always tends to be a little bit more serious.

Once you get out on the court and start competing, it's fine. After the match, again, it's always fine. But it's just sort of the couple hours before when you see each other in the locker room, it can be a little bit uncomfortable.
Andy puts to bed the stroking maid story.

[supergran]

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=123999)

Andy puts to bed the stroking maid story.

Love this remark. Glad you didn't omit the word story!!:lol::facepalm::getcoat:

[Jan]

Love this remark. Glad you didn't omit the word story!!:lol::facepalm::getcoat:
:rolling:

[Hawkeye]

As we don't have a general tennis news thread... Fixed match at SW19?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37574422

[themass15]

I seem to remember that match being on the schedule. Not good news for tennis and the womens' game in particular.

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/video/raonic-murray-nadal-enjoy-china-open-2016-player-party?utm_source=ATPMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ATP%20World%20Tour%20Insider%20#40%20-%20October%206%202016%20(1)) - Raonic Murray Nadal Enjoy China Open 2016 Player Party

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37586601) - Andy Murray beats Kyle Edmund to make China Open semi-finals

[Bardot]

The rare sighting of an Orcadian accent. ;)

Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1337535/Murray-s-straight-sex-victory-reporter-s-hilarious-Freudian-slip.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490) - "Murray's straight sex victory" - reporter's hilarious Freudian slip.

Oops, Phil Goodlad is from Shetland not Orkney, a huge difference. :shamed:

[cazza99]

The rare sighting of an Orcadian accent. ;)

Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1337535/Murray-s-straight-sex-victory-reporter-s-hilarious-Freudian-slip.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490) - "Murray's straight sex victory" - reporter's hilarious Freudian slip.

:rolling:

[lynne]

The rare sighting of an Orcadian accent. ;)

Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1337535/Murray-s-straight-sex-victory-reporter-s-hilarious-Freudian-slip.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490) - "Murray's straight sex victory" - reporter's hilarious Freudian slip.


:laugh: Brilliant!

[Bardot]

China Open have been taking pictures of player's expressions during their press conferences and matching them with emojis.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuJhk7KUsAE33Ky.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuJhk7LVUAAOnSE.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuHDP1SUsAEDuEF.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuHDP1SUsAA--Ro.jpg

[Bardot]

Transcript
(http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124115)
A. MURRAY/K. Edmund

7-6, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. He's an improving player all the time, isn't he?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, most of the guys his age, each time you play against them, you see differences in their game.

With Kyle, I obviously see it happening more regularly because I practice with him and follow his matches closer than some of the other young guys. But, you know, this is a different surface to what we played on on the grass at Queen's.

Yeah, I mean, he made it very tough for me. He's improving, yeah, at a pretty solid pace just now. His ranking is moving in the right direction. Last few months, he's had a lot of very good wins against top-20 opponents.

Yeah, he's getting there. If he keeps going on the path he's on just now, he'll be up at the top of the game very soon.

Q. Your serve was tremendous in the first set. You had 20 unreturned serves. You were 25 for 25 on first-serve points. Was that a game plan going in, take advantage some free points off your serve?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think the conditions kind of allowed it a bit more than maybe when I played my last match. When you're playing outdoors in the evening, it's extremely cold. Normally playing indoors, a little bit easier to serve, can be a little bit quicker.

Both of us got quite a lot of free points on the serve in the first set. Yeah, I served well. It was the best I served in the three matches that I played here so far. Yeah, got a lot of success with that. Yeah, I didn't lose a point behind my first serve in the first set, so that was very positive.

Q. I don't know if you've read or heard about Novak's comments a few days ago that he lost a bit of joy to be on the court after the French Open and the pressure of playing for history got to him. I don't know if you understand that and have any thoughts about it.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, a lot of players have gone through that. It can happen at different stages. When you achieve something that you've wanted to achieve for such a long time and put so much effort and thought into that, and come close a number of times and not quite done it, I think when you finally do it, you feel incredible for a number of days afterwards. But, you know, there can be a low after that. It would be completely understandable to have those feelings.

I'm sure a lot of players have experienced that at different stages after big wins in their career. I think it's quite normal.

Q. In the second set you lost two games, then won six games straight. How did you adjust yourself at that time?
ANDY MURRAY: I think I had a breakpoint in the first game. Didn't get it. Maybe two breakpoints in the first game of the set and didn't get it. Yeah, sometimes that can happen. Maybe if I win that first game, the second set's a little bit more comfortable. Kyle played a good game to break me. Thankfully I got it straight back.

I felt like in the second set, I did start to dictate more of the points. Even though I went behind early on, I felt like I was dictating more of the points. More of the match was more on my terms then, whereas in the first set, you know, Kyle was dictating a lot. I managed to change things around a little bit.

Q. You are facing David Ferrer. What are you expecting of that match?
ANDY MURRAY: It will be hard, for sure. Every match against him, he certainly makes you earn it. There's not many short points. He's a great returner, moves extremely well. He makes every match tough.

You always have to play very well to win against him. If you don't, there's a good chance you lose the match. I'll have to play very well tomorrow against him and I expect it to be very hard.

Q. You talked about the cold weather. How will you adjust yourself to make yourself get into a rhythm quickly in the next round?
ANDY MURRAY: I think in the evenings it's cold. I mean, today it was nothing to do with it being cold why the first set was hard. But, yeah, in the evenings it's different conditions.

I think tomorrow the weather forecast is good. Most likely we'll play outdoors. It is tricky playing one day indoors, next day outdoors, indoors, outdoors. It can take a bit of time to get used to the conditions.

Make sure I get a good practice in tomorrow and then hopefully start the match well.

[Bardot]

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124164)

A. MURRAY/D. Ferrer

6-2, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. That was a job well done, wasn't it?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I did well. I was obviously 2-1 down with a break in the first set. I mean, played very well. Even the period in the second set where he came back a bit, when he broke me, there was a lot of long points. Really good tennis I thought.

Yeah, thankfully got the break at 3-2. That was a big game because he had some chances to win that game. I had a couple of breakpoints. Got the momentum back on my side straightaway and finished it off pretty well.

Q. It's pretty ironic that it's Grigor in the final. He came to your assistance at quite late notice after Gael pulled out of your charity do.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it was great that he was able to do that. He was fantastic the whole day, as well. So, yeah, I really appreciate that he came to do that not just for me but for everyone that put the event on. Hopefully he had a good time, as well.

But, yeah, he's been playing a lot better obviously the last few months. He's like 15 in the Race just now. For someone who has what a lot of people would describe as a poor year for him, 15 is still pretty good. Obviously he's got high ambitions, I'm sure. The last few months, he's done well. He had obviously a very good win against Rafa yesterday.

It will be a hard match.

Q. You looked a bit out of breath at some point, complaining maybe to your box about something. Is it about the air? Are you feeling a bit of a cold? Was it because rallies were long?
ANDY MURRAY: The points were really, really tough points. Sometimes here, yeah, I mean, it was pretty cold. It is cold out there. Some tough points. Sometimes it's not that easy to breathe here. You know, the air is not perfect, so...

That period in the second set was tough. My legs actually felt okay. It's just the breathing that was tough.

Q. Konta qualified for the final and entered the top 10 for the first time. Your thoughts about that.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, she's obviously had a great year. I mean, to be in the top 10 in the world is very, very difficult at anything I think. But she deserves to be there. She finished last year extremely well and kind of showed that she had the potential to get there with the wins that she was having. But it's not easy to do it over a 12-month period.

She's done extremely well. Obviously made huge improvements from the beginning of last year. Yeah, hopefully she can keep going. Because everything is still new to her, she's going to be learning at quite a fast pace, too. It's exciting to see kind of how far she's going to be able to go.

But, you know, top 10 in the world is very good obviously.

Q. Coming into this tournament, it seems your expectations were not very high. You talked about Davis Cup, a long season and injury. Have you played better than what you thought before you came here?
ANDY MURRAY: I said if I could get through a couple of matches, I would start to feel a lot better. Playing matches is the best form of practice you can get. If you're not that sharp at the beginning of a week, only kind of two weeks before I got here I played a pretty brutal and good match with del Potro in the Davis Cup. I felt like if I could find a way to get through the first couple of matches, I'd start to feel better and play better. Thankfully that's been the case so far this week.

Try and play another high-level match again tomorrow. But it's very positive leading into Shanghai, and hopefully I can finish the year strong.

Q. You talked about Shanghai. The draw of Shanghai came out today. Do you focus 100% on this tournament or did you check the draw of Shanghai?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I saw the draw in Shanghai. It's quite hard to miss it because they put it like up in the locker room when you walk in. It's there for you to see.

But, I mean, it happens to us all the time. We have back-to-back in many cases, like Madrid and Rome. Montreal and Cincinnati most years is like that, as well. Obviously here. We're kind of used to it.

Yeah, it doesn't affect the matches that you're playing here. Most players I think are able to focus pretty well on the match at hand and worry about the matches next week in a couple of days.

Q. What is the perception that you have on Dimitrov? A lot of people say up-and-coming player, lots of potential. What is the perception that he has now in the locker room?
ANDY MURRAY: Everyone might have different views on him. I mean, I see him as being a very, very tough player because he plays well on all of the surfaces. He moves well. He has good hands, so he can get himself out of difficult situations or difficult positions on the court.

This year, yeah, for him I think has been a little bit up and down. But the last few months he's found consistency again in terms of his results. He's been winning matches every week. Like I said, he's 15 in the Race. He's doing fine.

Like I said, he's probably got higher ambitions than being 15 in the world. He's been top 10 before. There's no reason why he can't get back there. He's fairly close just now, with a few months this year where he could have done better. I expect next year he'll have a good year.

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/beijing-2016-final-murray-dimitrov) - Murray Joins '40 Titles Club' With Beijing Crown

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37601575)- Andy Murray beats Grigor Dimitrov in the China Open final

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37600830) - Johanna Konta: First Briton to break into WTA top 10 since 1984

[Bardot]

The 40 titles remembered. :gold:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuVOY-7WAAAR_Y8.jpg

[Jan]

Thanks for that - great memories (including the hairstyles and some of those trophies!).

[Hawkeye]

Stolen that for the AMFF Facebook page, hope you don't mind!

[Bardot]

Stolen that for the AMFF Facebook page, hope you don't mind!
It was already stolen goods. ;)

[Teresa]

It was already stolen goods. ;)


Where from I can't see the final column on my iPad? I Fancy restealing.

[angiebabez]

Where from I can't see the final column on my iPad? I Fancy restealing.

Twitter probably. That's wherei first saw it.

[supergran]

Stolen that for the AMFF Facebook page, hope you don't mind!

That's where I saw it first.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/37607373) - World Mental Health Day: Naomi Cavaday on her mental health battle

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37605547) - Shanghai Masters: Kyle Edmund beats Federico Delbonis in first round

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/09/andy-murray-grigor-dimitrov-china-open-final-tennis) - Andy Murray too good for battling Grigor Dimitrov in China Open final

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/10/09/andy-murray-continues-pursuit-of-world-no-1-ranking-with-china-o/) - Andy Murray continues pursuit of world No 1 ranking with China Open glory

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10611081/andy-murray-beats-grigor-dimitrov-to-win-china-open) - Andy Murray beats Grigor Dimitrov to win China Open

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10611902/andy-murray-can-challenge-novak-djokovic-for-top-spot-says-sky-sports-peter-fleming) - Andy Murray can challenge Novak Djokovic for top spot, says Sky Sports' Peter Fleming

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/37605940) - Here are Andy Murray's five singles titles of 2016

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37605702)- ATP rankings: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both out of world's top four

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10612009/johanna-konta-into-world-top-10) - Johanna Konta into world top 10, Kyle Edmund breaks top 50 and Andy Murray targets Novak Djokovic

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/more-sports/news/12110/10607236/judy-murray-calls-for-more-female-coaches-in-sport) - Judy Murray calls for more female coaches in sport

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3829690/Andy-Murray-creeps-closer-Novak-Djokovic-s-No-1-spot-winning-fifth-title-year-China-Open.html) - Andy Murray creeps closer to Novak Djokovic's No 1 spot after winning fifth title of the year at China Open

[Bardot]

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124213)

A. MURRAY/G. Dimitrov

6-4, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It was a tough match. In the second set, Dimitrov broke twice. How did you adjust yourself at that time to win the tiebreak?
ANDY MURRAY: In that game he started slicing a lot of backhands. Threw me off my rhythm a little bit. When he started doing that in the tiebreak, and in the game at 6-5, I changed a couple of things, which worked.

Obviously didn't play the best game there. But the first point was extremely tough, long rally. Had I won that one, maybe the game would have been a little bit easier.

But he made some changes in that game and obviously got the break. I mean, apart from that I played really well.

Q. I don't know if you felt it out on the court, but sitting up there watching it, it was a very cold experience. Grigor said that he had a lot of trouble with his racquet tension because he misjudged the temperature. How did you find that situation?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah, I mean, I obviously played the match against Kyle and Seppi both indoors. I played my second round and yesterday outdoors. I played in both conditions, and it is different.

But it was really cold tonight, you know, even different to yesterday's match against Ferrer. When we came off the court, we checked, and it said it was six degrees. You wouldn't have played in many colder temperatures than that.

So when the court's that cold, the court surface, the ball bounces much lower, and the balls don't heat up, so they feel almost flat at times. It wasn't easy because we're not used to playing in those conditions really.

But the level of tennis I think, in my opinion, was much better than the match we played a few weeks ago at the US Open. It was probably my best match of the week, I think.

Q. Through the match, there was a close-up on your notes that you were reading. There were some tactical points on what you have to do against Grigor. Also one thing, Stay calm and breathe. Can you explain how those notes are helping.
ANDY MURRAY: I don't like when they go into my bag to look at it because they're personal notes. I try to keep them covered because I want to keep them for me. They're literally standing right there. I don't like that.

But anyway, yeah, I think obviously sometimes when there's pressure, important moments, it can be easy to think about other things or get distracted. Sometimes just at the end of games or at the change of ends, to look and just have some things that help you concentrate on the things that are going to help you win the match rather than something else. You know, I've found that it helps me a little bit, so that's why I do it.

But I don't like when the camera guys go right into my bag to look because it's personal to me. It's not for everyone else to see otherwise I'd stick them up on the umpire's chair so everyone else could see it.

Q. Something like 22 unreturned serves tonight. Grigor even mentioned that he thinks you've been serving fantastic recently. Is that something you've been trying to work on or just feeling really good recently?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, tonight, first set, I didn't serve well on my first serve. I served 30% first serves. It's not easy to win sets at this level serving that low a percentage.

But my second serve tonight was probably the best part of my game. A lot of those unreturned came off second serves. You know, considering the conditions were fairly cold, I was still serving over a hundred miles an hour on some second serves. I felt using good variation on that shot, so I didn't give him a chance to really attack me there, that was probably the thing that I did best tonight.

Q. He mentioned that it seemed like you were serving his body a lot. Was that the game plan going in, trying to jam him?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, on the second serve, like I said, I tried to use variety. I mean, sometimes obviously on the second serve, guys stand closer to the baseline. If you serve a body serve, it can rush them. It puts them in a difficult position.

But also sometimes guys move around on the second serve, so they move their position. Sometimes you might be trying to serve into their backhand or into their forehand. They move a little bit, and it ends up being at their body.

But, yeah, I wanted to use variety on my second serve, not just serving into one spot. I think I did that quite well tonight.
:grrr: Andy understandably not happy.

Dimitrov's press conference. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124212)

Praise for Andy's second serve.

Q. You played Andy numerous times. He served 30% first serves in the first set and still got away with it against you. Has his second serve massively improved?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Yeah, I think today he served pretty good the second serve. He caught me off guard I think quite a few times. Especially in the body, he was serving a lot of body serves. Sometimes he was just catching me off guard, meaning I wasn't sure which shot I wanted to hit.

I knew I could run around and hit a good forehand, at the same time I felt comfortable hitting a backhand. When a player serves like that, it's tough to read his pattern. Even in he US Open he served pretty good. He definitely improved his game on the serve side.

[LC the fan]

The commies have all been going on about the improvement in the second serve - good to hear it from another player though.
Hopefully that will let him relax and get that first serve per4centage working better. It was amazingly low in the final yesterday

[Alis]

I think the low first serve percentage may well be a direct result of his improved second serve i.e. because he feels more confident in his second serve he feels he can go for broke on his first - just a theory!

[Alis]

'But I don't like when the camera guys go right into my bag to look because it's personal to me. It's not for everyone else to see otherwise I'd stick them up on the umpire's chair so everyone else could see it.'

Quite right, Andy - it's an invasion of privacy.

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twfDEBTcKj8

[cazza99]

Mr Porter (https://www.mrporter.com/daily/an-extended-rally-with-mr-andy-murray/1413) - An Extended Rally With Mr Andy Murray

[Bardot]

Pre-tournamnet press conference. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124252)

Andy Murray

Shanghai, China

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You came here by the train?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah.

Q. We saw a funny picture on the Internet. You carry all the bags on the train station, so your team member didn't help you with that?
ANDY MURRAY: They've got their own bags to carry, so everyone carried their own bags. Quite a normal procedure.

Q. For those of us who weren't in Beijing, can you just talk a little bit about five titles this year, No. 2 and everything, how you're feeling about this year? It's almost coming to a close.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I'd say probably the last, pretty much since Indian Wells and Miami I've played, you know, in the latter stages have played pretty much all of the events across all of the surfaces.

So, yeah, I'm very happy with how it's going. Beijing worked out well. In the end I didn't have massive expectations there as I arrived very late and hadn't been practicing much. So, you know, managed to get through my first couple of matches and then played really well at the end of the event, so that was good.

Yeah, I mean, although there's only a few tournaments left, there's big events here and obviously Paris and the O2, so, you know, I want to try and finish the year strong and give myself some momentum going to next year, as well. It's been a great few months for me.

Q. Novak talked the other day about looking for his inner joy again on the court. Obviously things are going well for you now, but can you at any time relate to that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. I spoke about it at length last week. I think it happens to players, you know, at different stages, you know, on all different levels.

I think, you know, when you have been trying and working so hard for something like Novak has, you know, to try and win the French Open, I mean, for him was obviously a huge goal and a big target for a number of years. Been extremely close, you know, a number of times and then to finally do it, you know, the few days afterwards you're on a huge high and you feel great. Then the low can be pretty tough after that, as well, to find, you know, new motivation and new goals, and you know, what it is you want to get out of your tennis again.

You know, I'm sure he'll find that, but I think it's understandable after everything he's done the last couple of years and finally achieving the French Open and completing a career slam I think is quite normal.

Q. Just wondered sort of how you're feeling physically? You had a tough summer. Didn't do much in between there and Beijing. You're going to play Vienna, Paris, London. How are you feeling coming towards the end of the season?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, the break I had after Davis Cup was very important. You know, it was eight days where I didn't do anything. Like I said, I hardly hit at all before going to Beijing. So I was going to Beijing the freshest I have been going into any events over the last few months really.

You know, before the Olympics I did quite a tough training block in Mallorca. It was like four weeks between the Wimbledon final and starting the Olympics, I trained hard in Mallorca for ten days or so before I went over to Rio.

This time before Beijing I literally did nothing. Obviously it went well, didn't lose a set, didn't play long matches. None of the matches were physically that tiring. And, yeah, I feel all right just now. I feel motivated. You know, I've got something to play for towards the end of the season, and, you know, that's important because that hasn't always been the case at this stage.

I think the other year, in 2014 when I was chasing, trying to get into Masters Cup, it was long and hard and burnt out kind of by the end of it, but I played some of my best tennis of the year before the end of the season.

Q. There is a discussion about the change of the tennis rules, like cancel the fifth set or cancel the advantage. What's your comments about this?
ANDY MURRAY: I'm open to trying anything to try new things. If that's what tournaments want and the fans want to see, then I'm open to playing or to trying new rules.

You know, if they don't work and people don't like it, then you can always change back, but if it's something that everyone wants to see, then, you know, I'm not against trying anything new because you can always go back if it doesn't work.

But if you don't try new things, then you never know if it can be better or not. So if that's what people want, then I'm open to change.

Q. How many chances do you think you can get to No. 1 at the end of this season?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I have a chance. I don't know how big or small a chance that is. You know, I'm still quite a long way behind Novak in the rankings and in the points. Novak's obviously going to win quite a lot of matches between now and the end of the year, too.

You know, the points to some might not seem that much, but it's quite a lot when you consider that he's also going to win a lot of matches, as well. It's not like, you know, if I win here that I gain a thousand points on him. There is a good chance that he'll be in the latter stage of the event fighting for those thousand points, too.

I'll just keep trying to do what I have been doing. The last few months have been the best of my career and, you know, I'll give it my best effort to get as close as I can. You know, whether I do it or not, you know, that's not the most important thing. I just need to try my best to do it. If I do that, I'll be happy at the end of the year.

[lynne]

BBCScotland.......Andy Murray commemorates the role of Sportsmen in WW1.......http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37632406



http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/D56E/production/_91883645_hi035824631.jpg

[lynne]

WTA....Vote now for Most Improved Player........http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/5968863/title/vote-now-wta-most-improved-player




Voted for Johanna!!!:thumbup:

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37628018) - Andy Murray into Shanghai Masters third round with win over Steve Johnson

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10614649/andy-murray-defeats-steve-johnson-at-shanghai-masters) - Andy Murray defeats Steve Johnson at Shanghai Masters
includes video of on court interview

[Bardot]

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124315)

A. MURRAY/S. Johnson

6-3, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It seemed a pretty comprehensive win. What are your thoughts on it?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I thought I played well. Yeah, I mean, after the first game I don't think he had any break points on my serve, and then I felt like I was creating a lot of chances on his serve. I thought I moved well for the first match in new conditions.

I was timing the ball well. I felt like I was controlling a lot of the rallies. Yeah, for a first match after playing pretty different conditions a few days ago, it was good.

Q. I don't know if you read some of Novak's comments the other day saying the ranking wasn't really a priority for him, he's not thinking about it too much. Do you see that and think, well, I've got a good chance here, just like maybe fuel some motivation to sort of do it?
ANDY MURRAY: No, it doesn't change for me. You know, other players, you know, don't motivate me. You need to find motivation. You can find it many different ways. Maybe some people get motivated by others, but, you know, the focus has to be on, you know, on yourself, you know, what you're doing.

You know, I'm aware that if I want to get to the No. 1 ranking I need to win a lot of matches. It doesn't just happen because Novak said it's not a priority for him. Just because it's not a priority doesn't mean he can't win this week and win the World Tour Finals and win the Australian Open, you know. That doesn't matter. You know, just because -- you know, maybe, I don't know -- my priorities are to try and finish this year as strongly as possible and make it my best year yet. That's what I want to do just now. And to do that I need to keep performing like I have been. I need to stay focused on each match and each tournament.

I have done a really good job of that the last few months, which at different stages of my career I haven't done. I'm happy with where I'm at and I want to keep that going.

Q. Where do you see this year right now if you're not sure it's your best? Obviously there was a year you won the Olympics before and the US Open, but where are you putting it right now?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, it's not over yet. So, you know, if I lost tomorrow and then lost my next five matches, you know, it would be a pretty disappointing way to finish.

But I want to finish it differently to that. You know, if I can have a strong three, four events, it will be my best year to date in terms of consistency, in terms of the titles won, and how many events I have sort of got to the latter stages of. Probably the most amount of ATP points I have accumulated throughout the year, as well.

So, you know, at my age I'm very happy about that, that I'm still progressing, still improving. Yeah, I just want to try and finish it well now. I don't want to judge it now and then just go on holiday for the next two months.

Q. One, what specifically are the differences in conditions between Beijing and here? And secondly, what are your thoughts about your next opponent?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, the courts are quicker. I think the courts are quicker. Balls are a little bit heavier. Different balls this week. It's been warmer than it was obviously in Beijing, which makes the conditions quicker. I mean, obviously the final that we played was extremely cold.

You know, so it was probably, I think, probably 16, 17 degrees tonight. So that's quite a big change from what we were playing in Beijing. If you look at the length of matches, there have been loads of quick matches here, like matches under an hour 5, hour 10, which nowadays, two-set matches, because of the courts and then the balls are normally pretty slow, they're hour and a half to two hours. It seems like the courts here are quicker and then the speed of the matches are faster, as well.

Q. And your opponent?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, the last few months he's played really, really well. He's had obviously a number of good wins but also very good results in the big events, too.

And last week, you know, he served for the match against Dimitrov, was playing very well in that one and didn't quite win it. But most weeks he's winning matches and he's playing some really good stuff against the best players. He's close to the top 10 in the world just now. I'm sure he will be motivated to try and finish the year. He's probably got an outside shot of making London, as well, if he has a couple of big weeks like he has done this year. It will be hard.

Q. (Off microphone.)
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, that was the first time I played him in the semis. I don't think he played particularly well that day. But, yeah, it was a good match for me. Hopefully I can play well tomorrow.

Q. I'm curious, does it at all surprise you the year you have had? Baby on board, could be sleepless nights, different responsibilities. Some people have found that difficult when they have had that situation arise when they're playing.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think -- I mean, it can obviously work a number of ways, but I think we have been very lucky because she's been really easy, easy to travel with, she sleeps well, doesn't cry loads. And, yeah, so it's been quite an easy transition although it's been, you know, a big change and obviously a very different life you live after having children, I think, anyway.

But, yeah, it's been a great year. I have only seen it have positive effects on my tennis and on my mentality, really, about what it is I want to do in the sport. When I'm away this week, I'm thinking -- I'm not like, oh, I need to get back to see my family. So if I'm going to be away from my family and make the sacrifice, I want to make the most of it and give the best I can on the court and try and perform as well as I can. Otherwise why come here? Better stay at home.

So that's helped me a bit, as well.

Q. I don't know if you saw any of the Nick Kyrgios match before, but does it surprise you that someone can go within the space of three days from winning the biggest title of his career to maybe not giving his best effort three days later? Do you sort of sympathize at all with what he's feeling?
ANDY MURRAY: It can happen. It has happened in the past as well with players. We're not perfect. I mean, everyone is different. We all have our flaws, and, you know, make mistakes. You know, it doesn't mean that -- I didn't see Nick's match today. I heard a little bit about it.

You know, he will be disappointed, as well. Even though he might say in here he isn't and he's not bothered, he will be. And, yeah, you just want him to learn from those situations. You know, maybe he wasn't feeling great today, but you have to give your best effort of what you have on that day even if you're feeling a bit tired and, you know, lacking motivation because you have just won a tournament the week before.

You know, you need to go out there and give your best effort of what you have on that day. If he didn't do that, then he will be disappointed with himself tonight. But, you know, we're not perfect. You know, everyone makes mistakes. You just want to make sure that you learn from them and make sure it doesn't happen over and over again.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37644418)- Andy Murray beats Lucas Pouille to reach Shanghai Masters quarter-finals

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10615494/andy-murray-beats-lucas-pouille-in-shanghai-masters) - Andy Murray beats Lucas Pouille in Shanghai Masters

includes video of Sky post match interview

[Bardot]

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124361)

A. MURRAY/L. Pouille

6-1, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Regarding his game, can you try to explain what you found you could take advantage of today?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think, I mean, he tried quite a lot of things out on the court today. You know, the start of the match was, you know, it was pretty tight. It was long first two games, and, you know, I managed to get through them and was up a break.

You know, it was a good start from both of us. Then, you know, maybe he started rushing a little bit the next couple of games, you know, and the first set was pretty much gone.

But, you know, in the second set he changed it up. He started using a bit more slice, he was serve/volleying a bit, he was stepping in on some second-serve returns, sometimes going back. So he tried a lot of different things today.

But, you know, I came up with some good shots. At the end when I needed them, I was hitting the ball clean, moving well. You know, I didn't give him really many free points. When that's the case and you're trying to do a lot of different things and it's not working, that can be frustrating sometimes.

Q. There was some sayings about changing current ATP tournament formats, like turning a few 1000 Masters into Super Masters. How do you think about that?
ANDY MURRAY: I didn't hear the start of the question.

Q. There was some sayings about changing current ATP tournament format, changing a few 1000 Masters into Super Masters like 2000. So how do you think about that?
ANDY MURRAY: I hadn't heard anything about that. I know some of the tournaments were wanting to go to 10 days like Indian Wells and Miami, maybe Madrid were wanting to do that. I think also here, as well.

But I hadn't heard anything about it being a Super Masters or 2000 points. I personally have not heard that. And I have not given it any thought, either, so I don't know what to say. Sorry.

Q. Nick has been fined. Do you think that's the best way to discipline a young player, or do you think it was too much?
ANDY MURRAY: Again, I don't know. I haven't really given it much thought, to be honest. I mean, you know, that's up to the people that run the sport to decide what's appropriate and what isn't.

There is obviously a number of things that happened on the court yesterday, so it was a large fine for I think a few different things, maybe three or four different things. So that's why the fine is a big one.

Also, I didn't see the match, so it's difficult for me to also comment on that really. Whether it's the best way to discipline young players, I don't know. I don't know if that stops that happening again. I'm not convinced about that.

Q. It seems impossible to hit a winner through you these days. Physically is this the best shape you have had at the end of a season ever?
ANDY MURRAY: Maybe. It's very difficult to say. I mean, some years -- one year I played and won all three tournaments here in Asia, and some years I have -- actually, most of the years when I have come here I felt pretty good on the court and I have enjoyed playing in these conditions. I like it. I like it here.

But I think just after the summer that I had and after the US Open and Davis Cup, my body felt so much better after taking like seven, eight days off of complete rest, which I hadn't had for quite a long time, and, you know, I'm really, really happy and glad now that I did that. It's obviously working out well for me just now.

I do feel good. I moved extremely well the first couple of matches here, and, yeah, I do feel like I'm seeing the game well and reading it good. Hopefully I can keep that up the next few days.

Q. (In Chinese.) When you were in practicing court in the afternoon, we saw many fans waiting for you out there. So you feel in Beijing and now in Shanghai you are accumulating increasing number of fans. Well, Djokovic, he tends to use Chinese to talk to the fans. What methods would you think you would employ to, you know, communicate and interact with these fans? Why do you think they like you? Is it because of your performance or is it because of your, you know, charm, how to react to them, things like that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I don't know really what I could do differently. I have always had pretty good support here when I first came here. This year it seems a lot more than usual on the practice courts. Since I got here it was really, really busy. Today, especially.

Yeah, I appreciate the support. I don't know what it is or why they like supporting me. I don't know. You'd have to ask them. But this year definitely more than others has been more support.

Q. We read interesting news that when you were in Beijing, the notes you took was caught by the camera. And it was not the first time for you to be put in this kind of situation. So this time you come to Shanghai, I just want to know do you still keep the habit to take notes before you go to the game and you try to hide it? Or you told the camera crews that don't just expose them to the public or something like that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I still have them. They were also hidden in Beijing, as well. But the camera crews were going right into, inside my bag to see what was on them.

Yeah, I just asked, you know, this week if it's okay that I don't mind the camera being on me at the change of ends but just to not be right inside my bag, if possible. Hopefully they respect that and it's not a problem.

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-goffin-shanghai-2016-friday) - Murray Masterclass Sees Off Goffin In Shanghai QFs

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10616635/andy-murray-defeats-david-goffin-to-reach-semi-finals-of-shanghai-masters) - Andy Murray defeats David Goffin to reach semi-finals of Shanghai Masters

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/32476/10616903/andy-murray-will-read-little-into-novak-djokovics-recent-struggles-says-annabel-croft) - Andy Murray will read little into Novak Djokovic's recent struggles, says Annabel Croft

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37653407)- Andy Murray & Novak Djokovic into Shanghai Masters semi-finals

[-J-]

Andy eyes French open title http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37653407

[-J-]

As Bardot seems to have abandoned there post
Transcript (http://en.shanghairolexmasters.com/?p=2626)


Friday, 14 October 2016
Andy Murray
A. MURRAY/D. Goffin 6-2, 6-2

Q. There were many long games out there, and basically you won every important point. Are you happy about the focus you keep getting on each point, trying to win everything?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I thought there was a lot of, you know, long games and tight games where, you know, he had chances on my serve but also on his own serve, as well. You know, a lot of long rallies, good rallies.
Even when I lost them, I was still, the next point, I was back on it. There was one or two games where, you know, he was up like 40-Love on his serve and I got back and I made him work for all of those games. So I think that paid off as the match went on.
But, yeah, when I was behind on my own serve, you know, he had a couple of chances, one pretty easy one to get back on serve. I think it was in the first set. But I played pretty well on all the other break points, so it was a good match for me.
Q. I don’t know what the score is, but just your thoughts on your next potential opponents, Gilles or Jack?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I never played Jack before, so obviously that would be a new experience. You know, you can watch them play, but then when you get on the court you don’t know necessarily exactly how your game is going to match up against them and how the ball comes off their racquet. You know, he obviously has one of the sort of spinier forehands on the tour, you know, similar to Rafa’s, but it’s obviously coming from a right-hander, which, you know, not loads of right-handers that play with that much topspin, especially the top of the game just now.
Gilles I have obviously played against a lot. I mean, it feels like we have played almost every year since I’ve been on the tour at last once, so I know his game a lot better. They are pretty different players. I mean, Sock is playing with a lot of spin on every shot, and Gilles is obviously hitting the ball much flatter, more of a counterpuncher, whereas Jack is trying to dictate the points as much as he can with his forehand and his serve.
Q. I don’t know if you saw any of Novak’s match earlier. He had some struggles today. Went three sets. He said at one point in the third set he tried humming to himself to try and calm himself down. It’s something new he’s been doing. Have you ever done anything similar like this or used music in a way like that on the court, sung to yourself maybe?
ANDY MURRAY: Not that I can remember. I don’t think so, no.
Q. Can you talk a little bit about this 15 minutes’ game and the six break points on Goffin’s serve and what you made about his resistance today?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, obviously, you know, maybe had I got that game, you know, I would have been able to maybe get ahead, you know, quicker in that second set, but then, you know, he fought hard in those moments.
The second set was a tough set, you know, that we played obviously eight games, but, you know, most of them, you know, probably five or six of them that could have gone either way really. They were tight games. So, yeah, he fought hard and there was a lot of close games, long rallies, like I said.
I just managed to win a few more of them than him in the end. But, you know, kind of halfway through the second set most games were very close. He fought hard and saved a number of break points himself. So it was tough, and I had to stay strong there in the second, because physically, although it was a 6-2, 6-2 match it wasn’t easy because a lot of the points were tough. He plays close up on the baseline, takes the ball early and makes you move a lot.
So I thought I did well, and I think he played a pretty good match. Maybe not the whole time. Maybe the end of the first set could have played a bit better and the end of the second. But for the most part I thought he played pretty well.
Q. If it is Gilles, what is it about you and Frenchmen? Beating Pouille last night, you’re 21 in a row against French singles players. Jo kind of got in the way in Montreal, but before that you had a long run as well. Is it just coincidence, or…
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I should have won that match against Jo, as well. I was up a break in the third set, too. Didn’t quite finish that one off. Yeah, I mean, I don’t know. I would assume it’s just a coincidence really.
Maybe some of the guys, you know, I match up well against in terms of game style, but, you know, some of the matches have been extremely close, too. It’s not like every time I’m playing them they are comfortable matches. Gilles I think served for the match against me in Acapulco a few years ago. The match I played against Tsonga at Wimbledon this year was also very close. The match I played with Simon in Davis Cup was also, you know, a tough match where he was up, you know, a lot and I managed to fight back.
So, you know, I think it’s just a coincidence, but I have obviously had good results against the French players over the last five, six years.
Q. Looking ahead to next year, if you could wish one thing for yourself and then one thing for the game of tennis in general, what would those two wishes be?
ANDY MURRAY: Wish something for myself? On the court?
Q. It’s up to you.
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, on the court I would love to win the French Open. You know, if I could guarantee one thing next year, then it would be that event, one I have had many struggles at over the years. But, you know, last couple of years I have come close and, you know, that’s something that would be nice to win on that surface.
And then for the game of tennis? I don’t know. I mean, I think it would be great if Rafa and Roger could get through the year sort of injury-free and be playing, you know, their best level again, because I think tennis is better when they’re around. They’re two of the best players of all time, and, you know, that’s been unfortunate this year. So hopefully, you know, they are both fit and healthy next year, and I think that’s good for the game.
Q. You were getting annoyed with the crowd towards the end. Was that just the noise they were making?
ANDY MURRAY: No. Well, I was getting frustrated at the end because I got a time violation in the 2-All game, which I was probably playing a bit slow then. So I wasn’t — you know, I didn’t get frustrated with that, but then after you get a time violation you then tend to try and play quicker and you stop maybe doing things that you might want to do.
Today I was sweating loads, so maybe I don’t towel myself down after the point. And then you’re waiting to serve, and if someone shouts out, you’re, you know, nervous about stopping, because then — you know, on that game it was an important game. It was 4-2, I was Love-30 down, and, you know, you’re nervous about stopping in case you lose your first serve.
And sometimes, you know, throughout the match if there is people making noise the whole time throughout the match and the umpire hasn’t said anything and then you have a time violation, you don’t know if he’s going to accept that you have waited to serve because someone’s made a noise.
Yeah, that was it. I was just getting frustrated maybe because I was nervous about losing a serve or that I just had the time violation I was trying to speed up. But then sometimes when there is noise or movement in the crowd you want to slow down and stop until they have stopped. That was it.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37665915) - Andy Murray claims place in Shanghai Masters final as Novak Djokovic loses

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10618413/andy-murray-beats-gilles-simon-to-reach-shanghai-masters-final) - Andy Murray beats Gilles Simon to reach Shanghai Masters final
includes video of Andy's on court interview

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37667875) - Heather Watson and Naomi Broady reach Hong Kong Open women's doubles final

ATP (http://ttp://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/shanghai-2016-saturday-murray-simon) -Murray Turns Up Heat On Djokovic For No. 1

[Bardot]

Andy trying to shutdown the #1 talk, good luck with that. ;)

Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/murray-says-end-number-one-not-realistic-163427797--ten.html;_ylt=A9mSs2xNdwJYKioAj_FLBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMT E0cWpnbGgwBGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwMzBHZ0aWQDVUlVS0MwMV8x BHNlYwNzcg--) - Murray says year-end number one not realistic

[lynne]

The Scottish Sun....My Happy Memurrays.............http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/7248185/My-happy-memurrays-Tennis-ace-Andys-grandad-Roy-Erskine-opens-his-scrapbooks.html

[angiebabez]

The Scottish Sun....My Happy Memurrays.............http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/7248185/My-happy-memurrays-Tennis-ace-Andys-grandad-Roy-Erskine-opens-his-scrapbooks.html

Thats so lovely. Thanks lynne

[WimbledonWestie]

That's amazing, thanks for sharing.

[Jan]

The Scottish Sun....My Happy Memurrays.............http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/7248185/My-happy-memurrays-Tennis-ace-Andys-grandad-Roy-Erskine-opens-his-scrapbooks.html
That is brilliant - so lovely, but also a really important archive of Andy's achievements. Would love to look at it!
Well done to a very proud grandad!

[Bardot]

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=124442)

A. MURRAY/G. Simon

6-4, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Another good win.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it was a tough match today. Probably hardest one I had this week, because, I mean, conditions, it felt unbelievably humid on the court. I don't know if that's because the stadium was more full and therefore it was warmer.

It was tough. Lots of long rallies. And, yeah, I think it was a lot of kind of ups and downs. He went up a breaker in the first set and then kind of came back at the end of both sets.

It was hard. A lot of long games and I was behind on a few of my service games, too. It was a good one to get through in two sets.

Q. The race for No. 1, was it on your mind at all at some point today?
ANDY MURRAY: No. I mean, obviously following the matches so you're aware of what was going on. My goal is not to try and reach No. 1 this year. I'd have to win pretty much every match between now and the end of the year. And Novak would not have to win hardly any. So it's not in my hands.

I want to try and get there, but I don't think doing that by the end of this year is that realistic. So I just want to try and finish this year as strong as I can. Maybe give myself a chance at doing it the early part of next year.

Q. Novak seems a guy who is lost at the moment. Do you have any advice for him at all?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't think he needs advice from me, to be honest. I spoke about it earlier in the week and in Beijing.

I do think that after everything he's achieved and the kind of dominance that he's had, it takes so much effort and work to be, you know, making finals almost every single week for two years. I mean, it's a really, really hard thing to do.

And, you know, it's maybe normal if he's mentally a little bit tired or, you know, trying to find the next thing, you know, for him to achieve after what he did at the French Open, as well.

So I do think it's pretty normal, and I'm sure he will get it back. But it's just normal to have, you know, a period after what he's done the last few years where he's maybe not as dominant as he was.

Q. That said, 18 out of 18 sets won in China so far, if you had to say one thing that's gone well so far here, what is it?
ANDY MURRAY: I think I have responded pretty well every time I have been in tough situations or gone behind in sets. I have got myself back on level terms fairly quickly.

You know, in some of the matches like today obviously went a break down early, was a break down early against Ferrer. You know, Kyle had set points, one or two sets points against me. I played some good tennis in those moments.

When I have been behind, I think I have done a pretty good job of getting myself on level terms fairly quickly and not having too many serve lulls in the matches that have lasted that long.

Q. Simon said you have become a match to him physically, the main improvement you have made since a couple of years. Do you agree with that?
ANDY MURRAY: I think definitely physically I'm better than the period where I was having the problems with my back. I mean, there is no question about that. Some of the movements I have been able to make especially to my backhand side I'm a lot sharper so I'm not concerned about hurting myself or being in pain. That's something that's helped a lot.

But, you know, today was hard. You know, physically it wasn't an easy match. And both of us, I'm sure, were feeling it.

But, you know, my movement, you know, when I have been fit and healthy has always been maybe the biggest strength in my game, my ability to get balls back in play in difficult situations. And for a little while, you know, some of the matches when I played Gilles like in Acapulco I had just come back from my surgery and I was struggling with that.

Maybe Rotterdam last year, I think it was last year we played in Rotterdam, but still it took me a long time to feel good again after that. No issues. It's made a big difference.

Q. Bautista Agut, you have beaten him in straights. Once on grass, once on clay. What's it going to be like against him tomorrow?
ANDY MURRAY: I have not played him on hard, so I'm not sure. The surface is pretty fast, and I think because of his game style he hits the ball very flat, you know, on both sides. That's not typical for a Spaniard. I think that helps him.

Yeah, he looks to dictate a lot of the points with his forehand if he can. He has a classical swing. It's not like a lot of the guys I have known. A lot of topspin, very clean striker of the ball.

He moves extremely well. Doesn't have the biggest serve but places it well, and he's a very good mover, so it will be a tough match, for sure. You know, I need to play well.

[cazza99]

The Scottish Sun....My Happy Memurrays.............http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/7248185/My-happy-memurrays-Tennis-ace-Andys-grandad-Roy-Erskine-opens-his-scrapbooks.html


Blimey, what a lovey thing for gramps to do. The collection is huge :)

[patlowe]

The Scottish Sun....My Happy Memurrays.............http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/7248185/My-happy-memurrays-Tennis-ace-Andys-grandad-Roy-Erskine-opens-his-scrapbooks.html
That is so special.

[HoopGirl]

That is so special.

Yep it really is beautiful - a lot of care and love has gone into that.
Can't believe his grandparents are 85 and 82 now!
Aren't they amazing for their age?

[Teresa]

http://en.shanghairolexmasters.com/?p=2715

http://en.shanghairolexmasters.com/?p=2713

Transcripts from the final. RB can see that Mr M is focussed on The No 1 spot. It's in his eyes seemingly. I must confess I would be scared witless of facing a Murray on a mission.

[HoopGirl]

http://en.shanghairolexmasters.com/?p=2715

http://en.shanghairolexmasters.com/?p=2713

Transcripts from the final. RB can see that Mr M is focussed on The No 1 spot. It's in his eyes seemingly. I must confess I would be scared witless of facing a Murray on a mission.

Yes Teresa we would stand back in awe but clap and cheer him loudly all the way!
Go Andy Go!

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37670781) - Andy Murray beats Roberto Bautista Agut to win Shanghai Masters

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37672419) - How can Andy Murray become world number one in men's tennis?

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10621040/andy-murray-cuts-gap-to-novak-djokovic-in-atp-rankings) - Andy Murray cuts gap to Novak Djokovic in ATP rankings

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10619862/andy-murray-wins-shanghai-masters-with-7-6-6-1-win-over-roberto-bautista-agut) - Andy Murray wins Shanghai Masters with 7-6 6-1 win over Roberto Bautista Agut
includes video of on court interview

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10620258/andy-murray-sets-sights-world-no-1-slot-after-shanghai-success) - Andy Murray sets sights world No 1 slot after Shanghai success

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/16/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-world-no1-shanghai-masters) - Andy Murray nears Novak Djokovic’s world No1 spot with Shanghai win

[Bardot]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/atp-awards-2016-categories-nominees) - World Tour Award nominees.

Voted By Players

Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award: The player who, throughout the year, conducted himself at the highest level of professionalism and integrity, who competed with his fellow players with the utmost spirit of fairness and who promoted the game through his off-court activities.
Roger Federer
Andy Murray
Rafael Nadal
Stan Wawrinka

Most Improved Player of the Year: The player who reached a significantly higher Emirates ATP Ranking by year’s end and who demonstrated an increasingly improved level of performance through the year.
Daniel Evans
Lucas Pouille
Dominic Thiem
Alexander Zverev

Comeback Player of the Year: The player who has overcome serious injury in re-establishing himself as one of the top players on the ATP World Tour.
Julien Benneteau
Juan Martin del Potro
Ivo Karlovic
Florian Mayer
The criteria for the Stefan Edberg award states "The player who, throughout the year". Federer has hardly played this year so why is he even on the short list. Surely that will be taken into account by the players when voting......as if. :rolleyes:

[Bardot]

Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3845382/Andy-Murray-distances-world-No-1-talk-despite-closing-Novak-Djokovic.html) - Andy Murray distances himself from world No 1 talk despite closing in on Novak Djokovic after Shanghai title

[LC the fan]

Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3845382/Andy-Murray-distances-world-No-1-talk-despite-closing-Novak-Djokovic.html) - Andy Murray distances himself from world No 1 talk despite closing in on Novak Djokovic after Shanghai title

I really do hope he can distance himself but everywhere in every paper, on television, radio etc - all the time it is being mentioned. The pressure must be tremendous. He cannot keep himself in a bubble and away from interviews so he must be on a sort of auto-pilot about it.
Its another 'When will you win a Grand Slam' session - and remember how that stressed him although I think Andy is older now , much wiser, and fortunately has other dimensions in his life.

[Teresa]

Equally he knows that he survived the "When will you win a Grand Slam?" And "When will you win Wimbledon?" stresses. I genuinely think, nothing in his career will ever equal the stress of that final game in 2013.

[cazza99]

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Editors_Thoughts/37372/andy-murray-incredibly-consistent-or-incredibly-lucky-/) - Andy Murray: Incredibly Consistent or Incredibly Lucky?

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/10/17/why-andy-murray-should-have-best-year-of-his-life-in-2017/) - Why Andy Murray should have best year of his life in 2017

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37698466) - Daniel Garza: Mexican tennis player banned for match-fixing offence

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37696766) - Kyle Edmund beats Illya Marchenko at European Open in Antwerp

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/37657304) - BBC Unsung Hero: Visually impaired tennis players express gratitude for volunteers

[RoastLamb]

Tom Tebbutt's take on Andy's year and future. (http://www.tenniscanada.com/tebbutt-top-spot/?utm_content=buffer49714&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer)


Being No. 1, the very best, the top of the heap is a goal many people have in life – and Andrew Barron Murray is no exception.
There have been 25 players who have reached No. 1 on the ATP tour since computer rankings were introduced in August, 1973, and Murray is currently on a quest to become the 26th.

The 29-year-old Scot has had an impressive career, especially considering the competition he has had since turning pro in 2005 – namely all-time greats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

One suspects Murray, three times a Grand Slam champion and twice an Olympic gold medal winner, has had it in the back of his mind that his time might come eventually if he was patient. Now, with Federer out of action since Wimbledon, Nadal still not in top form following the left wrist injury last spring and Djokovic seemingly wavering with his commitment to the game, there’s clearly an opening.

To analyze Murray’s chances it’s best to look at the ATP Race To London based on results from the start of 2016. Below are the current ATP Race standings:
Djokovic – 10,600
Murray – 9,685
So Murray, who has spent a total of 74 weeks at No. 2, is 915 points behind and has three events remaining starting next week – winners points available in brackets: Vienna (500), Paris-Bercy (1,000) London World Tour Finals (1,500). Djokovic just has two, Paris-Bercy (1,000) and London World Tour Finals (1,500).
Hypothetically, if Murray wins Vienna, he would just be 415 points behind heading into the two final events.

On the negative side, he could be tired after Vienna (possibly five matches) and be more vulnerable in Paris with its double the amount of ranking points. On the positive side, Djokovic played abysmally in his 6-4, 6-4 loss to Roberto Bautista Agut in the Shanghai semifinals last week and looked unhinged – smashing a racquet and tearing open his shirt in frustration with his uncharacteristic number (29) of unforced errors. With two whole weeks off before Paris, which he won a year ago along with the World Tour Finals, the Serb will be a huge question mark when the tour’s best meet indoors at the Palais Omnisports Paris-Bercy beginning on Halloween – October 31st.

As an aside here, there appears to be no question that Djokovic’s “personal” matter at Wimbledon, which he has frequently referred to and which seems to have had residual effects, as well as a spate of injuries – left wrist, right forearm, both left and right neck and shoulder as well as the toenail that came off during the US Open final – have contributed to de-stabilizing the fortress of his erstwhile peerless tennis.
“There are definitely things that I need to regain from the emotional/mental point of view,” Djokovic, who has been No. 1 for a total of 220 weeks, admitted after losing to Bautista Agut.

From a historical perspective, there’s little doubt that Murray deserves to be No. 1. His three Grand Slam titles are more than the individual totals for 10 – Nastase, Hewitt, Roddick, Safin, Ferrero, Kafelnikov, Muster, Rios, Moya and Rafter – of the previous players who have ascended to No. 1.

His three is equal to the total of Brazilian great Gustavo Kuerten.

There have been some quirky circumstances associated with the No. 1 ranking including Carlos Moya holding it for two weeks and Patrick Rafter for just one week, both in 1999.
Then there was Yevgeny Kafelnikov losing seven matches in a row – including six in opening rounds – before he ascended to No. 1 on May 3, 1999. The irascible Russian held the top spot for six weeks at an unstable time when four players exchanged the No. 1 ranking over a three-month period.

[goldfish]

From the tennis world article mentioned above -

'Workmanlike is the perfect way to describe the Scot because if one were to breakdown every aspect of Murray’s game, he doesn’t do anything that would be deemed spectacular. Unlike Federer who draws gasps from the crowd, every time he hits the ball, Murray almost lulls his opponents into feeling comfortable. He massages the ball back into the court and then suddenly injects pace into the ball. The strategy of hitting every ball in, with minimal errors, is one that Swedish player, Mats Wilander used to great effect when he became the world number player. Murray is equally effective off of both wings and even with his outlandish on court attitude, he manages to control his emotions enough to refocus on the task at hand.'

Is this how others assess Andy's game? Is every shot of Federer's gasp-worthy? I'm amazed by these comments but not being a tennis player, merely a fan, maybe my judgement is wrong.

[Nessie]

I would agree Goldfish. I think Andy does quite a few gasp-worthy shots himself and his variety of shot is what often outwits his spponents. I don't think he lulls them, he might frustrate them!

[Alis]

From the tennis world article mentioned above -

'Workmanlike is the perfect way to describe the Scot because if one were to breakdown every aspect of Murray’s game, he doesn’t do anything that would be deemed spectacular. Unlike Federer who draws gasps from the crowd, every time he hits the ball, Murray almost lulls his opponents into feeling comfortable. He massages the ball back into the court and then suddenly injects pace into the ball. The strategy of hitting every ball in, with minimal errors, is one that Swedish player, Mats Wilander used to great effect when he became the world number player. Murray is equally effective off of both wings and even with his outlandish on court attitude, he manages to control his emotions enough to refocus on the task at hand.'

Is this how others assess Andy's game? Is every shot of Federer's gasp-worthy? I'm amazed by these comments but not being a tennis player, merely a fan, maybe my judgement is wrong.

This makes me wonder if the writer has ever really watched a Murray match.

[Jan]

This makes me wonder if the writer has ever really watched a Murray match.
Indeed - or even a Fed one. He draws gasps from the crowd every time he hits the ball???:rolleyes::grrr:

[piscesperson]

How Andy Murray could overtake Novak Djokovic as number one
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37672782

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THTvTu7vnmA

Andy showing great patience in answering all the "#1" questions.

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-no-1-focus-vienna-2016) - Focused Murray Ready For No. 1 Bid

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/37559/andy-murray-in-the-past-i-had-much-pressure-because-everyone-was-sure-i-d-win-a-slam-/)- Andy Murray: 'In the past, I had much pressure because everyone was sure I'd win a Slam'

[cazza99]

BBC (http://Erste Bank Open: Andy Murray beats Martin Klizan to set up Gilles Simon tie) - Erste Bank Open: Andy Murray beats Martin Klizan to set up Gilles Simon tie

[LC the fan]

Tend to agree that the pressure for being No 1 is less than winning the first Slam, the first Wimbledon etc. Andy has now proved himself as one of the best ever players - his record shouts it loudly and he is far from the end of his career so the milestones will continue to be passed. Number One ? Yes he would love to add it to the list and we would all be cheering loudly - but he wants it for the record books, not to prove himself as a player - that's been achieved.
Having said that, I do wish the commies, the newspapers and everyone would stop going on about it quite so much - and I bet he does too

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1flgcvaI4xc

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37793901) - Andy Murray fights back to beat Gilles Simon at Vienna Erste Bank Open

Vocativ (http://www.vocativ.com/371359/tennis-study-choking/) - Male Athletes Choke, Female Athletes Do Not, Says Science

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10634585/andy-murray-beats-gilles-simon-in-marathon-match-at-erste-bank-open-in-vienna) - Andy Murray beats Gilles Simon in marathon match at Erste Bank Open in Vienna

[karanga]

So female athletes do not choke?

http://believeperform.com/performance/choking-the-case-of-jana-novotna-one-of-the-most-famous-collapses-in-sport/

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37816687) - Andy Murray beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Vienna to win the Erste Bank Open

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10636999/dan-evans-pulls-out-of-paris-masters-due-to-lost-luggage) - Dan Evans pulls out of Paris Masters due to lost luggage

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10638566/andy-murray-beats-jo-wilfried-tsonga-to-win-erste-bank-open-in-vienna) - Andy Murray beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win Erste Bank Open in Vienna

[Bardot]

Tennis Tourtalk (http://www.tennis-tourtalk.com/15479/murray-wins-erste-bank-open-vienna) - "Murray Wins Erste Bank Open Vienna". Includes quotes from Andy's press conference like this one about Paris "Expecting to win the tournament would be silly". ;)

[Teresa]

Guardian - the comments are well worth a read to us die hard Murray fans. They are also interesting for their views on Djokovic current state. The concensious opinion is that all is not well with the state of Djokovic.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/30/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-world-no1-jo-wilfried-tsonga-vienna-title?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[lynne]

To follow on from Teresa's post, this is what I read on twitter....




Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard 6h6 hours ago
Djokovic says that it's the whole team that decided he'll play in Paris without Marian nor Boris. Won't say more.




Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard 6h6 hours ago
Novak says he feels "rejuvenated". Focused on his own game. Knows that at his best he still can beat anybody.



Now I don't mind Novak, but that doesn't mean to say I trust him.....he is not what I'd call a gentleman.....:pirate:.........:)

[patlowe]

Andy as usual balanced and realistic, particularly with reference to the #1 rank. On court interview today.

http://www.tennistv.com/video/videoId/1ofy6pa6z98h816m8xghbocydh/title/murray-interview--atp-vienna-final

[pabbers]

Guardian - the comments are well worth a read to us die hard Murray fans. They are also interesting for their views on Djokovic current state. The concensious opinion is that all is not well with the state of Djokovic.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/30/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-world-no1-jo-wilfried-tsonga-vienna-title?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Think article must have been amended. No comments about Djokovic.

[Teresa]

Think article must have been amended. No comments about Djokovic.


It's in the comments section, rather than the article itself.

[Bardot]

Ubitennis soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/ubitennis/andy-murraynumero-due-al-numero-uno-sembra-piccolo-salto-ma) - Audio of Andy's winners press conference. The sound is low but does improve after 2:30. He's playing down expectation.


I can't control his results, I can control my own. If he wins the event and I lose in the first round, I'm a long way from being #1 again. Saying "If I win the final and he lost in the quarterfinals or semifinals then" that's me having to win 5 matches in a masters series in a tournament I haven't played well...

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37818285)- Novak Djokovic ready to fight as Andy Murray targets number one spot at Paris Masters

[Bardot]

The ATP have been asking players (Raonic, Goffin, Berdych, Nishikori, Thiem) during their interviews today about Andy becoming #1 and all were complimentary (even Berdy ;)) but I like Domi's answer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDhrcAiWJrU) best. :thumbup:

Nobody deserves it more than Andy and for sure he's one of the best players in the history of tennis and it would be a shame if he wouldn't make the number one spot so yeah I'm really cheering for him that he can make it.

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq8qcdC5XOs

[patlowe]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq8qcdC5XOs
As usual....sensible, balanced and most of all REALISTIC. Well said Andy.

[Bardot]

Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/andy-murray/andy-murray-building-modern-men_b_12730232.html?1477987825&utm_hp_ref=uk) - Why I’m Guest Editing The Huffington Post And Helping To Build Modern Men

Andy on his tears at Wimbledon
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwLUdClXYAAdAIL.jpg

[Alis]

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/andy-murray-looks-to-no-1-spot-confident-he-s-back-to-best-1-4273825

Interesting that Andy thinks it's taken him three years to get back to where he was before the back surgery. It must have been such a huge decision for him to go ahead with the surgery when he was at the peak of his career and it makes you wonder just how much pain he had been playing in leading up to that. Of course, there was no certainty that he would ever get back to the top. Ironically, perhaps having had the ten months that he had had, winning Olympic Gold, the US Open and Wimbledon helped him make that decision, in that if he hadn't come back, he would still have had those huge successes to savour. Hats off to Andy for his bravery and tenacity. Having read this article, I am even more proud to be a Murray fan!

[Bardot]

Not all players have the same view as those above about the possibility of Andy becoming #1.

Gilles Simon has thoughts....

“I think it is possible for him to become world No 1 but I sense that Murray is a bit tired. Not so much on his level of play or physically. But he is showing signs of tension. He is talking to himself a lot and very early during a match at the moment, like when he imploded at Miami (in March). It is going to be very hard for him mentally because he is going to have to play very well in Paris and London. Of course he can finish as world No 1 because Novak does not have comprehensive insurance right now but there is a long way to go.”

Gasquet isn't convinced Andy deserves to be #1.

“It is going to be difficult for Murray because Djokovic is still the strongest and Novak deserves it more – he has won two Grand Slams this year.”

[WimbledonWestie]

Aye well, they're entitled to their opinion .....

But I'm very sure if Andy had to pick between 2 slams or 1 slam and Olympic gold then he'd pick the latter- as would a lot of players. And they'd regard both achievements as being equal.

[Jan]

It's very hard to say who "deserves" it more - very subjective. Which is why we have ranking points! (I remember when there was a WTA No 1 who hadn't won a single slam - but I can't remember who it was...).

[Alis]

It's very hard to say who "deserves" it more - very subjective. Which is why we have ranking points! (I remember when there was a WTA No 1 who hadn't won a single slam - but I can't remember who it was...).

I think neither Safina nor Wozniacki had won a Major when they were number one. You're right though - as Andy says 'the rankings don't lie' - it's all about consistency.

[Alis]

Not all players have the same view as those above about the possibility of Andy becoming #1.

Gilles Simon has thoughts....


Gasquet isn't convinced Andy deserves to be #1.

I agree that they are entitled to their opinion but I think there may just be a little of the 'green eyed monster' there. Andy has an amazing record against Frenchmen and that must gall them just a little!

[patlowe]

From the thoughts of Gilles Simon in above post '......because Novak does not have comprehensive insurance right now.....'
Maybe the premiums are too high! :whistle:

[Teresa]

Definitely green eyed monster with Simon (mind you who could blame him). I went right off Gasquet when he was strutting round in 2014 about how proud he was of his achievement in qualifying for the O2. Zero mention of the fact he hadn't. He was 9th and only got in because Mr M was out with his back.

[WimbledonWestie]

Glad I'm not the only one who was ticked off by that!

[goldfish]

Not all players have the same view as those above about the possibility of Andy becoming #1.

Gilles Simon has thoughts....


Gasquet isn't convinced Andy deserves to be #1.

Let's just ignore the fact that Andy won the Olympics and has played DC this year for which he gains no points, shall we Richard?

[Bardot]

This China Open recap video is so good.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLJN1nD1lbs&feature=youtu.be&a

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37862179) - Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic through at Paris Masters

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10643357/andy-murray-dismantles-lucas-pouille-to-reach-the-atp-paris-masters-quarter-finals) - Andy Murray dismantles Lucas Pouille to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals
includes Sky video interview

[Bardot]

Snippet from Andy's press conference.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x50jmfx_atp-bnppm-2016-andy-murray-s-exprime-sur-gilles-simon-et-tomas-berdych_sport

A google translation from the French of the press conference transcript. Buyer beware. ;)


Physically, you feel today? How did you feel when you wake up this morning? You knew this would be fine for the game?

Yes. I was a bit tired because I finished late last night. I got up early this morning because I wanted to train a bit on the court. Once the game started, I felt good. Perhaps because of the speed of the surface, exchanges are shorter. On other slower surfaces, points can last longer and in this case it's harder physically. If we play a lot of points short enough, as was the case today, it is less tiring. Lucas tapped the ball hard today. It's better.



You said you did not have enough time to train on this short, you feel completely adapted to the conditions?

Anyway, I felt better today than yesterday and I'll feel better tomorrow. I think that in three days we have time to adapt. In any case, it might be longer than that. Anyway, it's getting better and better.



You said you were up early for practice this morning after finishing late last night. This shows your commitment and your focus on this tournament?

Some players think that this is not helpful to practice on the court. For me it is important in an indoor tournament. Conditions may vary. For example, the short one, the ceiling is lower than the central. The sound is completely different from one court to another. The sound when you hit the ball, is different. If I can train on the central court is always better. Anyway, after training this morning early, I went back to sleep a bit before coming here.



What is your opinion ? Who will win the Davis Cup between Croatia and Argentina?

It is impossible to say. I do not even know on what surface they play or what players will be selected. The Argentine team may have more players from which he can do his choice. By cons, it may be difficult, it is more complex. I think that to say something, he should know the area and what are the players. For Croatia, I think they already know what the surface and what are the players. It will be easier for them to provide. The team that plays at home has more advantages because it is she who chooses the surface. They choose the surface that suits their players. In any case, it will be very tight. Del Potro is playing very well. When in form, it is one of the best players in the world. It will be difficult.



Speaking of indoor surfaces, what is the speed you prefer: faster or slower?

Shanghai is one of the fastest courts where we play in the year. This is where I did my best tournaments. What is difficult for the players is to change every week. The surface changes a tournament to the next. It's not necessarily easy to play his best tennis when we must constantly adapt. Bullets change, this adds difficulty. This week I have seen many players make a serve and volley game, I saw the Lopez match. I enjoyed this game. That was different. They rode a lot on the fly both. I have seen many players do volley this week. It's good. We see more variety in the game.



Can you talk about the game of your opponent today (Thursday) and opponent you have in the next round (Friday)?

Today, I have returned. It was good. I had chances on almost each of his service games throughout the match. On this surface is faster, if we can go back, it is always an advantage because it puts pressure on the service of the other. If we do not just put it in the short but we attack the back, the adversary is then immediately on the defensive. It's an advantage. As for Simon and Berdych, I played against the two in recent weeks. In Vienna, the match was very tight. The level was perhaps not as good as Shanghai but the match was hard, there were long rallies. Berdych has a powerful game with short points. These two players are different from each other.



What is the key to continue to develop to take the next step when one is struggling against the best players?

I think he must watch the game that we had to see the mistakes we made and see what your opponent has done well by cons, it gives you ideas on what to do . You can say at this point: this is what I should have done better, or better play on the ball game This is the best thing to do.. And listen to your coach obviously. He sees the outside game, it gives the best return on what you did during the game. This allows you to learn what you do well, it's the best way.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37872449) - Andy Murray: Victory over Tomas Berdych leaves Briton one win from world number one

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10644753/andy-murray-beats-tomas-berdych-at-paris-masters-to-close-on-world-no-1-ranking) - Andy Murray beats Tomas Berdych at Paris Masters to close on world No 1 ranking

[Bardot]

Snippet (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x50ph5f) of Andy's press conference.

Snippet (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x50oxfu_atp-bnppm-2016-novak-djokovic-andy-murray-merite-de-devenir-n-1-mondial_sport) of Djokovic's press conference. He's complimentary about the possibility of Andy becoming #1 although quite a sarcastic response to the first question which was probably from a British journalist.

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyrzxVuiGQo

[Bardot]

Google translate from the French of Andy's press conference.

Andy, there were times when you looked concerned, especially in the tiebreaker. This match was difficult.

Yes. At the time of the match, there was still a long way to go. At that time, I did not expect to win the first set. I had not had a break point against him. There were only service games where we got tied. You had better get to return. In the second set, at the beginning, I managed many more returns and from there, I felt more comfortable.



In the tiebreak you were losing 6-1, is it a mental strength to get to thinking that you can come back? Most players tend to give up.

I do not think the players give up 6-1, but it is difficult to win the set when it is in the tiebreak. You have to play every point as and when at 6-1 and you get back to 6-4 at that time the opponent becomes more tense. I think he has made mistakes in that stage. I was able to capitalize on his mistakes. Even at 6-all, it could have gone to one side or the other. I stayed very regular and constant. I deserved to win that game.



After watching Novak lose against Cilic, you had the feeling that there was more than just to win the game tonight?

Certainly yes. There was more tension at the beginning of the match. But once on the court, I did not feel the difference with other matches. It was a match I wanted to win as I wanted to win others. We will see tomorrow. I never experienced this position. I'm quite tense before the match but once on court, everything is fine. This helps me not to be embarrassed by tension.



Tomorrow will be a very important match, it will be almost like a final. You feel good?

Obviously it would be great if I could become world No. 1 this week, but it was not the goal at the beginning of the week. It was not even my goal for the next two or three weeks. Reaching the # 1 position does not depend on one match. This is done with the work throughout the year. If this does not happen tomorrow, it could happen in a few months. I thought also rather get there in a few months. If it's this week good but I will not add to the pressure this week because I would especially like to make sure I have the opportunity to do in the future but not necessarily tomorrow.



Under the circumstances, you are disappointed not to meet Novak in Paris?

Had this been the case, I could not have become world No. 1 this week. He would at that time maintained its ranking. Anyway, every time we play against each other, these are matches that are remembered. Every time I come out, I know I played against the best player in the world. It is not only the world No.1 is a great player who has played as well as Roger and Nadal. I remember those matches when I play against those players. These matches have all been important for my career: the Grand Slam finals, Olympics



Gilles Simon has said it would be a reward for you after your patience. What would it mean to you to be world No. 1 as opposed to win a Grand Slam?

It will be different. We are already working to get to win a Grand Slam. It took me a long time to get there. Be in position # 1 representing 12 months of regular work. I've never done that in my career. I succeeded in my career to be regular for a few months and after I lowered level. Like in March, but I would not have done much better than I did. The games I lost in the US Open and the Davis Cup, could have been otherwise. I put myself in position to remain steady, can maintain my concentration for long periods. I am happy.



Of course you know the tennis encyclopedic way, have you seen a player who became No. 1 before your time? Historically you look back?

Not especially. I know about the players who have been No. 1 but in recent months, I have not looked particularly. I do not think it would help me to motivate me more than I am already. On the contrary, it could rather distract me. I did not look.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37882467) - Andy Murray becomes world number one after Raonic withdraws from Paris Masters

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10645792/andy-murray-becomes-world-no-1-after-milos-raonic-withdraws-in-paris) - Andy Murray becomes world No 1 after Milos Raonic withdraws in Paris

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10646013/new-world-no-1-andy-murray-rewarded-for-hard-work-says-annabel-croft) - New world No 1 Andy Murray rewarded for hard work, says Annabel Croft

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/live-blog/12110/10645593/andy-murray-v-milos-raonic-live) - Andy Murray is new world no 1 recap

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10620258/andy-murray-adds-world-no-1-ranking-to-2016-achievements) - Andy Murray adds world no 1 ranking to 2016 achievements

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/tennis/10646081/murray-trains-for-fans) - Murray trains for fans
video after Raonic withdraws

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/tennis/10646189/murray-is-world-number-one) - Murray proud to be world number one
video interview with Andy after Raonic withdraws

[Teresa]

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/05/andy-murray-becomes-tennis-world-no1-milos-raonic-walkover-paris?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/05/andy-murray-mens-no1-tennis-compare?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/andy-murray-no-1-emirates-atp-rankings-tribute)- Andy Murray Rises To No. 1

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/05/andy-murray-owes-it-to-himself-to-savour-the-view-after-scaling/) - After scaling tennis Everest, Andy Murray owes it to himself to savour the view

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.com/tennis/paris-masters/2016/andy-murray-is-among-the-five-greatest-tennis-players-of-all-time_sto5938009/story.shtml) - Andy Murray is among the five greatest tennis players of all time

OK (http://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/938040/andy-murray-tennis-world-number-one-mum-judy-adorable-message-celebrate-twitter) - Andy Murray is named tennis world number one – and mum Judy posts adorable message to celebrate

ESPN (http://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/17975143/andy-murray-takes-novak-djokovic-world-no1-milos-raonic-withdrawal-paris)- Andy Murray to replace Novak Djokovic as No. 1 in world rankings

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-world-no-1-rankings-milos-raonic-injury-paris-masters-a7399581.html) - Andy Murray becomes world No 1 after Milos Raonic withdraws from Paris Masters semi-final with injury

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/17975643/age-era-make-andy-murray-ascent-no1-truly-remarkable) - Age and era make Andy Murray's ascent to No.1 truly remarkable

Sport 360 (http://sport360.com/article/tennis/international-tennis/200401/twitter-reacts-as-andy-murray-becomes-new-world-number-one/) - Twitter reacts as Andy Murray becomes new world number one

Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/roger-federer-pays-tribute-new-9204894)- Roger Federer pays tribute to "new king" Andy Murray as Brit attains world No 1 ranking

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.com/tennis/paris-masters/2016/andy-murray-is-britain-s-greatest-an-inspirational-man-who-refused-to-accept-failure-as-his-fate_sto5940277/story.shtml) - Andy Murray is Britain's greatest, an inspirational man who refused to accept failure as his fate

10sballs (http://www.10sballs.com/2016/11/05/andy-murray-reaches-no-1-from-richard-evans-paris/) - ANDY MURRAY REACHES NO. 1 FROM RICHARD EVANS, PARIS

Britwatch Sports (http://www.britwatchsports.com/murray-becomes-no-1-raonic-withdraws-faces-isner-paris-final/) - Murray becomes No. 1 after Raonic withdraws, faces Isner in Paris final

[Bardot]

Andy's press conference google translated from French

Andy, I guess you had not even dreamed of this scenario?

Obviously, we did not expect it today and when I heard what was happening, it was a little weird. It was so much about this week: If I win, if I did this or that. I have always said that being world number one was not dependent on that this week or a day here or there but that it corresponded to a heavy work long term. It's unfortunate that it happened this way. I would have preferred to play on the court. It took many years of work to get there.



Where were you when we gave you the information?

I was in the locker room. I watched a video of Milos's match yesterday and he entered the room where we were. So I quickly turned off my iPad. And then he told us that he had hurt his quadriceps and he could not play.



You're talking about 12 months of work, we can also speak of 15 years of work?

Obviously I am very satisfied. Of course it is something I never realized before and I did not even think to be sure to get there, because at Roland Garros and the beginning of the year, I was so far behind in terms of points and when I saw the number of matches that I had won to get there, I would never have believed it happen after Roland Garros. And you see that in sports, things can be reversed quickly. This is a funny sport. Novak lost yesterday against a player he had beaten 14 times in a row. John also. Things can overturn very easily. For me, these last months have been very good.



You have made many achievements in your career. Become Number 1 is an equally great emotion to win a Grand Slam or the Olympics?

For now, it's pretty hard to say. Getting ready for the Grand Slam tournaments. And the result comes in two weeks, in fact, quite quickly. As for number 1, it takes a long, long time, even a career. In a way, it is more satisfactory compared to the whole of my career, maybe, but for now I can not tell you what it really represents. It happened suddenly. I have not really had time to think about it during the last one just ended.



When you heard, what went through your mind first? Relief, it was a gift from God?

In fact, I felt calm, perhaps because of the nature of what happened. I did not react, actually. In contrast, the members of my team reacted differently. I did not react immediately. Members of my team told me 'well done'; we gave the accolade, we all knew how hard it was to get to this situation.



So now you'll see the number 1 worn next to your name. Do you realize the beauty of what is happening?

But I repeat: it is difficult to achieve for me. Last night before bed, I imagined playing this match, so I imagined that I would get to be number 1 after playing a match. All I've done in my career, whether the Olympics, a Grand Slam, it happened after a match. So it's really funny. It is a pity. I'm sure that on Monday I'll feel fine. If I ever give up tomorrow, my points will not count this week, so it'll have to be very careful to me by tomorrow. I'll hold my racket hard! (Laughs.) .



There are only 25 players who have been number one in this sport and only won 50 Grand Slams. Is it important to include this on your resume and be in the company of such great players? Is it satisfying to be number one Only three players have held this position for the past 13 years.

It's satisfying. This was very difficult because there are very good players on the circuit at the same time hard to beat. When I see the year that I had to do to get to be number 1, if only for a week, so you have to win matchs and get to the final round of almost all tournaments. That was really, really hard. There are only three players who were the very best of our sport. And it took they win one or two big Slams, Masters Series, Masters 1000, it took them each time, making a very, very good year.



Novak told us about what he had done and that it cost him a lot of energy. There are a lot of expectations around the world's best players. How you manage these expectations?

I can well imagine that Novak could feel the last two years. What he did is absolutely amazing for two years and a half, three years. So I understand that it has a price, it can wear you out. So I wanted very, very well finish this season. I did not necessarily the No. 1 position, but I really wanted to do well and now he'll have to find a new goal, that will continue to motivate me and move forward and that's what I'll do now .



Sometimes players remember as children they have, for example, gave a kick to a ball and that's the trigger that started it all; and you ?

No, this stuff does not happen to me. Even when I started in the professional circuit, I could not imagine being number 1 one day. I had never thought of. It was more when I was playing football and when I was in the fight with my brother, we imagined we would become world champions but not in tennis.



You have made many achievements in the past four years. Do you think that engaging Ivan was the best decision of your career? Do you have talked to him recently?

Ivan helped me a lot, obviously. Both times we worked together, he helped me, but Jamie Delgado also deserves recognition because he works throughout the year, he was there at every tournament, every day. He worked with me since the beginning of this year, and really, it deserves to be recognized for the wonderful work he has done with me. Ivan, of course, helped me in times that we spent together, and that was when I had the best time of my career. For the first time, the whole series around Wimbledon was a very good period. I spoke with him today and the past two weeks, he will come to London. Jamie, they also talked both and this is a good team.



Does your phone started ringing? Is Ivan called you an hour ago?

No, since I learned I have not spoken to him. I just hit some balls on the court and I came directly here. My mother and my wife are there. These are the only people I could talk so far.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37885959) - Being best a whole year's work - Murray
video interview

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray becomes first British player ever to be ranked world singles number one
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14846050.Andy_Murray_becomes_first_British_player_ ever_to_be_ranked_world_singles_number_one/

Hard work made me world number one says Scottish tennis ace Andy Murray
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14846122.Hard_work_made_me_world_number_one_says_A ndy_Murray/

Official: Andy Murray is world No 1 as Raonic withdraws
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/official-andy-murray-is-world-no-1-as-raonic-withdraws-1-4278937

[piscesperson]

Top spot 'just reward' for Andy - Judy
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37886548

Andy Murray can net sponsor boost after reaching top of tennis
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37861918

Key stats as Murray becomes world number 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37886548

Andy Murray: Briton will be dominant force, says Tim Henman
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37887919

Andy Murray: World number one 'may be his greatest achievement'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37886422

[piscesperson]

'Proud' Murray is Scotland's greatest
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14846314.__39_Proud__39__Murray_is_Scotland__39_s_ greatest/

[piscesperson]

After scaling tennis Everest, Andy Murray owes it to himself to savour the view
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/05/andy-murray-owes-it-to-himself-to-savour-the-view-after-scaling/

Andy Murray admits he doubted he would ever become world number one
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/05/andy-murray-admits-he-doubted-he-would-ever-become-world-no-1/

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray becomes world No 1: 12 months of sacrifice pays off with Murray in the form of his life
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-becomes-world-no-1-12-months-of-sacrifice-pays-off-rankings-a7399936.html

Andy Murray becomes world No 1: Bad news for Alistair Brownlee in bid to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-award-odds-alistair-brownlee-a7399716.html

Andy Murray becomes world No 1: How he became the best men's tennis player on the planet
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-world-no-1-best-tennis-player-atp-rankings-a7399626.html

[cazza99]

Huge picture of Andy on front page of the Sunday Times Sports section.

Andy has also made page 3 of the Sunday Times on becoming world no 1 with a couple of smaller pictures. However there is a much bigger picture of Kim on page 3 in an article about women swearing more than men.

[Jan]

This is great from Kheredine Idessane
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37884239

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37888677) - Andy Murray beats John Isner in Paris Masters final to take title

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/37890857) - Murray is Scotland's greatest, says Hoy

[harriet]

the BBC post, Hoy etc does not load

[cazza99]

the BBC post, Hoy etc does not load

I have updated the link, but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt.

[harriet]

the beeb has a fulsome tribute on the Sport page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37882468)
sample - "Being number one is the pinnacle of all the ambitions of every player," said Novak Djokovic, the man just deposed, when he began his own long reign three years ago. "This is the dream."

[Sallydaisy]

Something beautiful (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37882468) - BBC Sports writer Tom Fordyce.

Same as for the link Harriet posted. Extracts:


This has been the era where British sport has blessed its loyal followers like never before: fourth, third and second places in the Olympic medal table; the Tour de France yellow jersey won in four of the past five years; the miracle of a first male Wimbledon champion in 77 years, a marvel repeated three years on; the Davis Cup won for the first time since tennis was played in slacks and cable-knit jumpers.





And now another bequest, from a man who has already provided so much. A British tennis player as world number one (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37882467) is an idea as ludicrous to recent memory as anything else in that giddy list, but with Andy Murray, we should no longer be surprised.To a nation systematically unable to produce tennis champions despite finances and facilities at the elite level to embarrass others as well as itself, Murray is the gift that keeps giving.







Only 26 men have held that solitary ranking since the calculations went computerised 43 years ago. It is not a gimmick, or a marketing exercise, or even a reward in itself, but a defining benchmark. You cannot fluke it or get lucky with a judging panel. It is deserved. It is definitive.



And this may yet be the start of something even more beautiful, rather than the pinnacle.After five defeats in the Australian Open final, never will Murray have a better chance of winning it than this January, Federer and Nadal faded, Djokovic - his nemesis in four of those finals - jaded.The French Open title could conceivably be the next unprecedented prize to be pouched. And then Wimbledon again, and why not, after all that has been before?It is dreamy, fanciful stuff. But that has been Murray's motif: ripping up precedent, making the impossible real.

[Teresa]

Worth looking under tennis on the DM site, there are some nice video montages, and Wimbledon has a video of his first match point at Wimbledon.

[piscesperson]

Hugh MacDonald: How Andy Murray rose to become the greatest in an era of tennis greats
http://www.thenational.scot/comment/hugh-macdonald-how-andy-murray-rose-to-become-the-greatest-in-an-era-of-tennis-greats.24480

Tennis: Hugh MacDonald - New world No 1 Andy Murray makes it two giant leaps with Paris Masters win
http://www.thenational.scot/sport/tennis-hugh-macdonald---new-world-no-1-andy-murray-makes-it-two-giant-leaps-with-paris-masters-win.24495

[Bardot]

Hugh MacDonald: How Andy Murray rose to become the greatest in an era of tennis greats
http://www.thenational.scot/comment/hugh-macdonald-how-andy-murray-rose-to-become-the-greatest-in-an-era-of-tennis-greats.24480

Tennis: Hugh MacDonald - New world No 1 Andy Murray makes it two giant leaps with Paris Masters win
http://www.thenational.scot/sport/tennis-hugh-macdonald---new-world-no-1-andy-murray-makes-it-two-giant-leaps-with-paris-masters-win.24495
Hugh MacDonald was on Radio Scotland on Saturday explaining how tennis rankings were based around a 2 year cycle. :facepalm: As the saying goes, you don't need to know how a car works to drive one. ;)

[Bardot]

Andy's winning press conference google translated from the French.

Andy, it was very important for you to win today after becoming No. 1 yesterday? It was important also for the advantage it gives you perhaps.

No, I did not think in terms of points. I just said it would be nice to finish the year as world No. 1. I am glad it happene. But before the match, I felt good and that's what was really great and to share the victory that was even better. I did not feel too much tension. You would think that after learning to be No. 1, I could have had a dip. I felt good before starting the match.



You said on court that you were determined to have a good result in London, which was not always the case. Do you intend to keep your momentum through?

Yes. The last two years I have not played very well in London. This time, I want to play my best tennis. The question is not whether I will win the final, but I'll finish the year. Indeed, in recent years I have struggled to play this final. Now I have a few days to rest and then I'll give my all the next ten days.



Is there something Jamie Delgado did particularly well to help you?

It is the regularity of work. Having someone beside itself that is there throughout the year, every training session I had this year, he was there. This is not the case for other team members who are not there every day. They do not follow everything I do while he, yes. We were already friends before but now we have a very solid relationship. I respect very much the fact that he made this sacrifice to travel and work as hard this year. Obviously, we had very good results. The rest of the team also count. Having someone who sees everything that happens and is there permanently is very valuable. Have someone by my side who is so engaged, helps a lot.




How do you feel mentally and physically after this tournament, is less tiring when you win?

Mentally, it's true that it is harder to lose than to win. Physically, the game is more tiring necessarily if it lasts longer. When the game is shorter, it is less tiring. Anyway, even if I had lost earlier this week, this did not necessarily mean that I would have had extra days off, I would have worked anyway. At this stage of the season, I feel more or less physically tired. Mentally, it's been a while since I felt thid good, not at all stressed. The games are a little stress but when I'm home, all is well, it helps a lot.



You will return home in your city? It is important for you to be # 1?

Yes, that Jamie and I realized is very important. In my town, there are some tennis courts but they are not of the best quality. There are not many players who have come from Scotland. The fact that my mother was a tennis coach helped us, my brother and me. This allowed us to play at a young age. We loved the tennis at a very young age. I think that without our mother, we would not have become professional players. There was no reason. Nobody really played seriously tennis in our city.



Now that you are world No. 1, will you revise your goals? You will want to certainly continue to improve.

I'll sit around a table with my team perhaps before the final in London, I think arriving there on Wednesday. With my team, we will discuss my schedule for the first part of next year and try to set goals between now and March probably. In general, I find that I work better when I have more short-term goals. I'll talk to them about it.



You are in the best shape of your career, do you think you can win the Australian Open and French Open to complete the Grand Slam next year?

I do not know. There are so many things that can happen or change. Look already in recent months, no one would have expected that this would happen. What I did during the summer and after it was unexpected even for myself. I had the best year of my career by winning the US Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics. I was in the final of the Australian Open as well. A few months after I was injured myself. I do not know at all where I will be in five or six months. Of course, I'd love to win the Australian Open, because it is the next major objective is happening on the horizon, at the beginning of next year. I never managed to win. I was caught off guard several times and would like to win this year.




You said that on entering that match and in matches in general, there is always a certain tension. Does the fact of having been world No.1 yesterday played a role? Have you had different match experience from being # 1?

I do not know. It only been a week. I'll try to make the most, because I could lose this position and never get it again. Once on the court, I felt good, I did not think about the rankings, I thought of nothing else. I was just trying to win the game. Before the game, I really wanted to go on the court, I really wanted to win. I never thought my job was done for the week. I hope to have the same attitude in the "Masters" of London. Here, we are competing with the best players and the audience is huge. I hope to be ready for this event.



Do you think you're going to bed late is what you tonight or you'll get up early tomorrow morning to see the calculations of your rankings? Have you really done?

No, I do not think I'm going to bed very late. It's true that everything happened very quickly. I do not really know if I have digested the information or not. It's not as if it had happened after winning in tournament Grand Slam or Olympic Games. It's different but it's probably due to the way it happened. When a final we play, we win or lose. While ranking World No. 1 is not the same. We can always say that the next week we have a chance and I have not played that game against Milos, so it's different.



What difference is there between a tournament that is played in Paris, Shanghai and elsewhere and a tournament that is played in London?

I think I've always handled these situations, whether in Davis Cup or the Olympic Games, or on tournaments that are played on grass. I think I've always played well in front of a home crow, except it is true that the last two years I have not played so well in London. I know that a year anyway I played the London final one of the best matches of my career and I had a good time too. Of course the public can play a role, it can help you. I hope they supports me, I could do a better performance this year.



Congratulations. Roger called you Sir. and other players also made you compliments. Are you affected by these compliments? You received them since you 1?

There is not a compliment that more apparent than others. It's always very nice from all the players, because earn the respect of other players is the most important thing. Last night I had a lot of messages, more than after any match I've played in my life. Everything that comes from the family is very important, because my family has always been close to me since the beginning and because you talk willingly to your family. They also witnessed difficult times and doubts and so these messages you receive from your family are more important. This does not mean that messages from known or famous people or other players are not important but it is of course the family messages that matter to you most at heart.

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray: Fatherhood helped new world number one, says coach Jamie Delgado
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37894623

[LC the fan]

I just cant read enough papers today ! Yes, they all say pretty much the same but it seems the world has at last woken up to what a great player, dedicated athlete and generally nice guy that Andy is. About time too.

Fortunately for us on this forum - we've known all along haven't we :laugh:

[cazza99]

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3911632/Failings-authorities-cast-huge-shadow-Andy-Murray-s-incredible-success.html)- Failings of authorities cast huge shadow over Andy Murray's incredible success


Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3908944/Andy-Murray-s-elevation-pinnacle-tennis-reward-patience-perseverance.html) - Andy Murray's elevation to pinnacle of tennis is reward for patience and perseverance

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3911066/Special-one-Andy-Murray-s-strength-refusing-settle-second-best.html) - Special one Andy Murray's strength is refusing to settle for second best

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3909110/Andy-Murray-admits-world-No-1-hardest-thing-s-dad-better.html) - Andy Murray admits becoming world No 1 is the hardest thing he's done... but becoming a dad is better

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3911062/Andy-Murray-s-greatness-assured-Brit-hits-world-rankings.html) - Andy Murray's greatness is assured as Brit hits the top of the world rankings

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3912652/Andy-Murray-Novak-Djokovic-spot-claims-Davis-Cup-captain-Leon-Smith.html) - Andy Murray can keep Novak Djokovic off top spot and cement No 1 status, claims Davis Cup captain Leon Smith

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3913554/Andy-Murray-face-Stan-Wawrinka-Kei-Nishikori-Marin-Cilic-ATP-World-Tour-Finals-Scot-looks-hold-world-No-1-spot.html) - Andy Murray to face Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic at ATP World Tour Finals as Scot looks to keep hold of world No 1 spo

[lynne]

From Andy's FB Thread..........



I'm going to be giving away some signed limited edition Under Armour t-shirts to celebrate reaching world number one! All you need to do is like and share this post! I'll be picking one person at random everyday this week! So keep an eye out on here! See you all at the ATP World Tour Finals! Thanks for your support! #BestFans #HereWeGo 🌍☝️☺️


I have posted a link for Andy's FB page on his thread!

[Bardot]

From twitter:

Colin Fleming ‏@colin_fleming
My friend Miles Maclagan is helping to auction this amazing limited edition signed print of the new world #1.. http://www.stscsport.co.uk/andy-murray-auction/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cwrt5vsXAAUraZi.jpg

[Bardot]

CNN (http://edition.cnn.com/2016/11/06/tennis/tennis-murray-isner-paris-masters/index.html) - "Paris Masters: Andy Murray celebrates No. 1 spot with eighth title of season" (Includes a phone interview with Andy)

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/17991323/how-andy-murray-benefited-ivan-lendl-absence) - "How Andy Murray has benefited from Ivan Lendl's absence" Or another way of saying, it's all down to Jamie Delgado. :p ;)

The Mixed Zone (http://www.themixedzone.co.uk/murrays-ascent-parable-womens-sport/) - "Sue Mott: Murray’s ascent is a parable for women’s sport"

Tennis (http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/11/andy-murray-no-1-ranking-novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-roger-federer/62325/) - "How Andy Murray turned himself into a No. 1 player at age 29"

[angiebabez]

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-student-athlete-number-1-world-emilio-sanchez-vicario

[patlowe]

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-student-athlete-number-1-world-emilio-sanchez-vicario

Loved that! Thank you Angie for posting it.

[cazza99]

ATP (http://Murray: “I Want To Do Myself Justice") - Murray: “I Want To Do Myself Justice"

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/andy-murray-no-1-emirates-atp-rankings-tribute) - Andy Murray Rises To No. 1
includes a list of the other world no 1s and how many weeks they were there. Also a list of how long players were world no 2 before world no 1.

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/andy-murray-no-1-emirates-atp-rankings) - Murray Becomes 26th Player In History To Hold No. 1 In Emirates ATP Rankings

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-no-1-social-reaction-2016) - Tennis World Reacts To Murray's Rise To No. 1

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10647770/andy-murray-beats-john-isner-to-win-atp-paris-masters) - Andy Murray beats John Isner to win ATP Paris Masters

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10648329/judy-murray-hails-andy-and-jamie-after-a-hugely-successful-2016-for-the-family) - Judy Murray hails Andy and Jamie after a hugely successful 2016 for the family
includes Sky interview with Judy

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10649116/andy-murrays-greatest-moments-revisited-ahead-of-the-atp-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray's greatest moments revisited ahead of the ATP World Tour Finals

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10648402/andy-murray-has-climbed-to-the-top-of-the-tennis-rankings) - Andy Murray has climbed to the top of the tennis rankings

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/15538/10647349/world-no-1-is-andy-murrays-finest-achievement-says-mark-petchey) - World No 1 is Andy Murray's finest achievement, says Mark Petchey

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10647649/andy-murray-says-becoming-new-world-no-1-feels-strange) - Andy Murray says becoming new world No 1 feels 'strange'
includes Sky video interview with Andy

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10646013/new-world-no-1-andy-murray-rewarded-for-hard-work-says-annabel-croft) - New world No 1 Andy Murray rewarded for hard work, says Annabel Croft

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10649098/andy-murray-is-praised-by-england-interim-manager-gareth-southgate)- Andy Murray is praised by England interim manager Gareth Southgate

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12111/10649295/andy-murrays-year-in-numbers-with-wimbledon-and-olympic-titles-and-world-no-1-status) - Andy Murray's year in numbers with Wimbledon and Olympic titles and world No 1 status

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10649337/andy-murray-drawn-with-stan-wawrinka-kei-nishikori-and-marin-cilic-for-world-tour-finals-at-the-o2) - Andy Murray drawn with Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic for World Tour Finals at The O2

Mark Petchey believes that it couldn’t have been harder for Andy Murray after being drawn in the 'Group of Death'

[cazza99]

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-student-athlete-number-1-world-emilio-sanchez-vicario

Lovely article by Emilio Sanchez Vicario.


(https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliosvicariotennisleadership?trk=pulse-det-athr_prof-art_hdr)Today is one of those days when you walk around with a big smile on your face. I am proud of what I do; I am part of the journey helping others create opportunities in tennis, education and life. Therefore when you wake up and realize that one of your student-athletes has fulfilled his potential and becomes NUMBER ONE IN THE WORLD, it just fills you up with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Everything that you work for makes sense.

I still remember as if it were yesterday the first time Andy Murray came to the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona. I was chatting with his mother Judy Murray waiting for him to enter the court. I need to play with our students to find out their real potential, and there he was walking towards us, very skinny, knees slightly bent inwards, shoulders down, eyes on the floor. I asked him a few questions and his responses surprised me. “I want to be the best that I can be.” he said looking into my eyes. As we started playing, his doubts began to disappear and his confidence grew. He had an innate skill where difficult situations brought out his better shots: it was this spirit to survive that really impressed me.

[cazza99]

I will try and post some more newspaper atrticles from the last few days when I can, but my laptop has gone on strike on accessing the internet.

[Bardot]

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/09/nick-kyrgios-and-andy-murray-the-bromance-capable-of-saving-a-career?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other) - "Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray: the bromance capable of saving a career"

The pair are planning a training block together in the coming months. Murray, a relentless athlete in the gym, wouldn’t invite just anyone into the sweatbox of his inner sanctum.

[pabbers]

guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/09/nick-kyrgios-and-andy-murray-the-bromance-capable-of-saving-a-career?cmp=share_iosapp_other) - "nick kyrgios and andy murray: The bromance capable of saving a career"

yayyyy!!!

[Bardot]

An interview with the 18 year old Andy.

I did this Biofile interview with newly-crowned ATP World No. 1 Andy Murray at the 2005 US Open. At the time of this interview, Murray was ranked 122 in the world and had just beaten 39th ranked Andrei Pavel in five sets in the first round of the US Open main draw (63 36 36 61 64). Murray was defeated in the second round in five sets by Arnaud Clement (26 67 62 76 06).

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 175

DOB: May 15, 1987 In: Glasgow, Scotland

Childhood Tennis Heroes: “My favorite player was Agassi. When I started playing when I was about seven, eight I watched him. I also liked John McEnroe. I didn’t really get to see him play live but I watched videos of his matches and really liked him. And now favorite player is probably… I really like Nadal now. And all of the young guys, Gasquet as well.”

Hobbies/Interests: “I like go-karting. Boxing is my favorite sport outside of tennis. And I like listening to my I-Pod.”

Favorite Movies: “Wedding Crashers – I watched that twice. It just came out (summer 2005) and I thought it was absolutely hilarious. The Girl Next Door.”

Musical Tastes: “I like rap and R&B. Rap my favorite singer is Eminem and Jay-Z and R&B I like Usher.”

Early Tennis Memory: “I think one thing I’ve always had since I was very young is I was always very competitive in everything that I did. I’ve got a brother (Jamie) that is a year older than me who played tennis as well. So that is probably a reason why I started playing and where I am today. Because he was always a bit older, a bit stronger, a bit better than me. I always had to push myself to do better.”

Favorite Meal: “Caesar salad and steak and chips.”

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Chocolate.”

Pre-Match Feeling: “It kinda changes. Sometimes, depending on how I’m feeling, I like to listen to my I-Pod before to get myself pumped up. And now that I’m starting to play a few more bigger matches and not getting as nervous as I used to be I’m a little bit more relaxed. I just try to get myself concentrated on my match and not think about anything else.”

First Car: “Don’t have a car. I can’t drive yet. You have to be 18 to drive in Britain and I turned 18 in May. And since then I’ve just been traveling so.”

First Job: “Tennis player.”

Greatest Sports Moment: “Either winning the Davis Cup doubles match – my first Davis Cup match against Israel against a team of top ten Ehrlich and Ram. Or playing against Nalbandian on center court at Wimbledon.”

Most Painful Moment: “When I twisted my ankle against Thomas Johansson when I was 5-4 and 30-love up in the third set. Because if I’d won that I would have played against Tim Henman and that’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. Somebody that I look up to for so long, like ten years. So it would have been great to do.”

Funny Tennis Memory: “Not really during matches. The funniest thing is when the line judges get hit. Because they do make some mistakes and you do get annoyed [smiles]. So it’s pretty good when they get hit with the serves [smiles].”

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “Probably when I got defaulted at a junior tournament in Scotland. I threw my racquet and it hit the court supervisor.”

Closest Tennis Friends: “I always deal with the juniors. I get on well with – Monfils. I don’t know so many guys of the top 100 yet. Monfils. I know Gasquet a little bit. And also Tim (Henman) and Greg (Rusedski) – they’ve always been very nice and very supportive. And I’d probably say Tim and Greg out of everyone I like the best.”

Funniest Players: “Tim’s actually got a very good sense of humor. But I don’t think it really comes across that well in the press. But when you spend time with him at a Davis Cup, he’s very competitive as well. We play each other at backgammon a lot, unfortunately I don’t beat him yet. But he’s pretty good fun.”

Favorite Players To Watch: “I like watching Nadal. He’s really exciting. It’s great to see someone so young with so much energy on the court. And also (Guillermo) Coria as well. I think he’s a little bit different from how everyone else plays – he’s small, not physically that big. And a lot of people think the game’s all about power now. But I think he shows that you can still be small and be a good player.”

Favorite Athletes To Watch: “Roy Jones Jr. I love watching him until… he’s getting a bit old now. He’s fighting against Antonio Tarver soon. So hopefully he’ll be back at his best because when he is he’s unbelievable. Apart from him, there’s a couple of British boxers – Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton – I like him as well. And Muhammad Ali, for me, is probably the greatest sportsman ever. (Anyone in track and field?) No, not really. (Soccer?) Ronaldino is my favorite footballer. I’ve lived in Barcelona the last three years so I’ve gone to watch a lot of matches. Unbelievable. He’s so skillful.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “I like to see a good sense of humor. And people who show respect to others. I don’t particularly like it when, for example, if you practice with someone or you meet somebody before, then the next time you see them, they don’t really say anything to you. I don’t really like that. I like people who are funny and not so in your face.”

[Bardot]

NBC Sports (http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/andy-murray-roger-federer-no-1/) - "The Remarkable Rise of Andy Murray"

[Bardot]

Yesterday Andy held a "Masterclass" in London in conjunction with The David Ross Education Trust. Jamie Delgado and Matt Little also took part.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cw06tG0XUAEKBT_.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwwfFd9W8AEGjah.jpg

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and world No 1 permutations at ATP World Tour Finals
http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10651462/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-and-world-no-1-permutations-at-atp-world-tour-finals

[piscesperson]

England v Scotland: Andy Murray can lift Scots - Mark McGhee (fingers crossed)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37897139

[piscesperson]

Stan Wawrinka: No 1 Andy Murray is 'special', I don't think I can reach the same level
http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10652262/stan-wawrinka-no-1-andy-murray-is-special-i-dont-think-i-can-reach-the-same-level

[piscesperson]

stefanostsitsipas98 First practice with @andymurray at the #O2Arena. Kindly appreciated, it's a honor playing with the new world number one. He really deserves reaching that spot. Very kind personality with good manners, and a great person to talk and hit with. Keep that winning strike going, and wishing him good luck for the #ATPWorldTourFinals!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMokRRxhvOR/

(Can someone post the pic here?)

[piscesperson]

atpworldtour Watch! World No.1 Andy Murray hits on Centre Court for the first time. #ATPFinals

http://www.myatp.com/share/eyJkb21haW5JZCI6IjEwIiwic2hhcmVUeXBlIjoibWVkaWEiLC JzaGFyZUlkIjoiMmVURWtRWnBSYTQiLCJjbGllbnRUb2tlbiI6 IjJRdnhMQjRBVXduUU5rSCJ9

I couldn't get the video to work though?

[angiebabez]

stefanostsitsipas98 First practice with @andymurray at the #O2Arena. Kindly appreciated, it's a honor playing with the new world number one. He really deserves reaching that spot. Very kind personality with good manners, and a great person to talk and hit with. Keep that winning strike going, and wishing him good luck for the #ATPWorldTourFinals!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMokRRxhvOR/

(Can someone post the pic here?)

1180

[lynne]

ATP......Results of the ATP World Tour Awards..........http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/atp-awards-2016-federer-del-potro-bryans-cilic-fritz-pouille-honoured

[patlowe]

atpworldtour Watch! World No.1 Andy Murray hits on Centre Court for the first time. #ATPFinals

http://www.myatp.com/share/eyJkb21haW5JZCI6IjEwIiwic2hhcmVUeXBlIjoibWVkaWEiLC JzaGFyZUlkIjoiMmVURWtRWnBSYTQiLCJjbGllbnRUb2tlbiI6 IjJRdnhMQjRBVXduUU5rSCJ9

I couldn't get the video to work though?
Video worked for me! It's quite short!

[Stell]

The video worked for me as well, though it only lasts eleven seconds.

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray collects his world No 1 trophy at the ATP World Tour Finals launch party
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3925876/Andy-Murray-collects-world-No-1-trophy-ATP-World-Tour-Finals-launch-party.html

World’s Best Gather at London Landmark to Launch Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/barclays-atp-world-tour-finals-gala-2016

[piscesperson]

The core of Andy Murray’s genius is there is nothing fake on court or off it
Kevin Mitchell

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/07/core-andy-murray-genius-nothing-fake-on-court-world-no1

(I looked back and I don't think we have this article from 7th November??)

[cazza99]

New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/11/sports/tennis/top-ranked-andy-murray-novak-djokovic-old-friends-new-roles.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0) - Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic: Old Friends in a Role Reversal

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1WpSRm2Qmk

[Teresa]

Andy Murray collects his world No 1 trophy at the ATP World Tour Finals launch party
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3925876/Andy-Murray-collects-world-No-1-trophy-ATP-World-Tour-Finals-launch-party.html

World’s Best Gather at London Landmark to Launch Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/barclays-atp-world-tour-finals-gala-2016

Thanks for posting that. I wanted to see it.

[Bardot]

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/11/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-tennis-partisan-fans?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other) - "Partisan fans should enjoy this golden era and spare Andy Murray the bile" How ironic that the comment's section of the article is full of bile. :rolleyes:

[RosieBear]

Marriage didn't "work" for poor old Colin the cockerel :sad:
'Andy Murray's prized cockerel Colin is killed by a fox after storming out of coop following row with his three hen wives '
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3928238/Andy-Murray-s-prized-cockerel-Colin-killed-fox-storming-coop-following-row-three-hen-wives.html

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nF-KSl0aT4

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrbIRVIAH_E

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37910658) - ATP World Tour Finals: Andy Murray says Novak Djokovic will return to form

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04fjwmn) - Number 1: The Andy Murray Story
5-live special

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10650186/atp-world-tour-finals-2016-the-sky-sports-panel-offer-their-predictions) - ATP World Tour Finals 2016: The Sky Sports panel offer their predictions

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10652807/andy-murray-wants-strong-finish-at-atp-world-tour-finals-as-novak-djokovic-aims-to-reclaim-no-1) - Andy Murray wants strong finish at ATP World Tour Finals as Novak Djokovic aims to reclaim No 1

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10653489/andy-murray-feels-court-conditions-at-londons-o2-will-help-his-chances-of-winning-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray feels court conditions at London's O2 will help his chances of winning World Tour Finals

[cazza99]

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/05/andy-murray-mens-no1-tennis-compare) - Andy Murray is the 26th men’s No1 in tennis – but how does he compare?

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/06/andy-murray-paris-masters-beat-john-isner-no1-tennis) - Andy Murray celebrates No1 status with Paris win and earns everyone’s respect

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/11/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-atp-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic play nice before ATP World Tour Finals

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/07/andy-murray-stan-warwinka-atp-tennis-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray faces tough task against Wawrinka at ATP World Tour Finals

Murray says gyrotonics, a machine-based version of pilates and referred to as “yoga for dancers”, has played a major role in his late-career development.

“I’ve a lot more range of movement and it’s helped my back. Even before my surgery for 18 months it was giving me quite a lot of issues. I wish I hadn’t done as much running when I was younger. I really struggled with that before my back surgery. Any time I went for a run, I was in quite a bit of pain for a few days afterwards. I feel much better than four years ago – which is a shame because, when you’re 24 or 25, you should probably feel better than you do in your late 20s.”
After the O2, Murray will spend a fortnight at home before leaving for a two-week training block in Miami ahead of the Australian Open in January.

[cazza99]

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/11/how-pulleys-levers-and-a-former-dancer-from-hungary-helped-andy/) - How pulleys, levers and a former dancer from Hungary helped Andy Murray climb to world No 1

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/11/andy-murray-in-perfect-place-to-turn-screw-on-novak-djokovic-at/) - Andy Murray in perfect place to turn screw on Novak Djokovic at ATP World Tour Finals
sub required

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/11/andy-murray-fears-lta-is-failing-to-nurture-young-talent-in-brit/) - Andy Murray fears LTA is failing to nurture young talent in Britain

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/11/tennis-podcast-will-andy-murray-get-through-horror-atp-finals-dr/) - Tennis Podcast: Will Andy Murray get through horror ATP Finals draw?

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/07/the-tennis-podcast-have-we-entered-an-era-of-andy-murray-dominat/) - The Tennis Podcast: Have we entered an era of Andy Murray domination?

[Rosalind]

Andy looked cold in his press conference.

[cazza99]

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-3930062/Andy-Murray-achieved-ridiculous-things-tennis-claims-brother-Jamie.html)- Jamie hoping for a Murray double at the ATP World Tour Finals as Scottish brothers battle for world No 1 spots

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/atp-finals-andy-murray-not-different-world-no-1-djokovic-london-a7412511.html) - ATP Finals: Andy Murray not feeling any different as world No 1 as he looks to fend off Djokovic in London

Sun (https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/tennis/2173210/andy-murray-says-birth-of-child-sophia-has-helped-his-tennis-as-he-prepares-for-atp-world-tour-finals/) - DADDY COOL Andy Murray says birth of child Sophia has helped his tennis as he prepares for ATP World Tour Finals

Sporting Life (http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/article/553/10654827/jamie-murray-andy-is-ridiculous) - Jamie Murray: Andy is 'ridiculous'

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/38194/judy-murray-purchases-candle-to-commemorate-andy-becoming-world-no-1/) - Judy Murray purchases candle to commemorate Andy becoming World No 1

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/38216/andy-murray-signs-wwf-petition/) - Andy Murray signs WWF petition!

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/38212/scottish-football-team-finds-andy-murray-to-be-an-inspiration-says-darren-fletcher/)- Scottish football team finds Andy Murray to be an inspiration, says Darren Fletcher

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3928478/Andy-Murray-s-home-advantage-win-ATP-Tour-Finals-time.html) - Andy Murray's home advantage can help world No 1 win ATP Tour Finals at the O2 Arena for the very first time

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18024267/andy-murray-says-british-tennis-needs-consistent-leadership) - Andy Murray says British tennis needs consistent leadership

Daily Star (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/561239/Andy-Murray-Cockerel-Fox-Dunblane-Cromlix-Hotel-Tennis-World-Number-One) - Andy Murray's 'legendary' cock mauled by fox

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10652444/andy-murrays-serve-return-and-other-shots-to-watch-at-the-atp-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray's serve return and other shots to watch at the ATP World Tour Finals

Indian Express (http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/tennis/tennis-fourth-beatle-andy-murray-is-paragon-of-fortitude-4365540/) - Tennis’ fourth Beatle, Andy Murray is paragon of fortitude

Evening Standard (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/dan-jones-what-the-world-tennis-rankings-don-t-reveal-is-andy-murray-s-greatness-as-a-man-a3389876.html) - Dan Jones: What the World tennis rankings don’t reveal is Andy Murray’s greatness as a man

Herald (http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14873266.Leon_Smith__Andy_Murray_is_here_to_stay_a t_tennis_summit/) - Leon Smith: Andy Murray is here to stay at tennis summit

Tennis Magazine (http://w.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/11/john-isner-andy-murray-atp-rankings-paris-masters-tennis/62308/) - John Isner: Andy Murray is an inspiration to me, other players

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-soares-2016-finale-programme) - Murray/Soares Going For No. 1

[Bardot]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37957373) - Delgado: Working with Murray an honour

[piscesperson]

Andy Murray already looking ahead to January's Australian Open
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37964645

[Linda]

What's all this about Andy's prized cockerel who apparently was on social media? I've never heard of him.

[Josephine]

At Cromlix Hotel.

[RosieBear]

Well said Judy, but hope nobody shows the poor little snowflakes this article...they'll all be dashing for their safe spaces :rolleyes:

'British children are wrapped in cotton wool by their parents and too dependent on technology to become the champions of the future, claims Judy Murray':

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3931452/British-children-wrapped-cotton-wool-parents-dependent-technology-champions-future-claims-Judy-Murray.html

[cazza99]

Observer (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/12/andy-murray-atp-tour-finals-tennis-big-four-rafael-nadal-roger-federer)- Andy Murray says era of tennis’s big four could be over

Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/atp-world-tour-finals-2016-andy-murray-can-play-at-home-so-can-he-play-well-enough-at-the-o2-to-pip-novak-djokovic-for-yearend-no1-20161112-gso1nh.html) - ATP World Tour Finals 2016: Andy Murray can play at home, so can he play well enough at the O2 to pip Novak Djokovic for year-end No.1?

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37970004) - ATP World Tour Finals: Andy Murray wants to 'finish year on a high'

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/13/marin-cilic-hoping-jonas-bjorkman-can-hand-him-advantage-over-an/) - Marin Cilic hoping Jonas Bjorkman can hand him advantage over Andy Murray at ATP World Tour Finals

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/13/andy-murray-end-year-atp-world-tour-finals-novak-djokovic) - Andy Murray looking to end great year on a high at ATP World Tour Finals

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-admits-fatherhood-no1-9249547) - Andy Murray admits tennis doesn't give him sleepless nights as fatherhood is his No1 priority now

livetennis (http://www.livetennis.com/category/livetennis-news/andy-murray-vs-marin-cilic-atp-world-tour-finals-tennis-live-20161113-0002/)- Andy Murray vs Marin Cilic ATP World Tour Finals tennis live: World No. 1 Murray opens against dangerous Cilic

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-3930800/Andy-Murray-reveals-secret-rise-world-No1-staying-grounded-taking-baby-steps.html) - Andy Murray reveals the secret to his rise to world No 1... staying grounded and taking baby steps

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/) - Andy Murray: I'm a lot more level headed and stable now


Tennis X (http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2016-11-12/24642.php)- Novak Djokovic Or Andy Murray, Who’ll Win The Battle For No. 1 In London? ATP Finals Preview

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Editors_Thoughts/38045/road-to-the-atp-finals-andy-murray-s-dreams-of-glory/) - Road to the ATP FINALS: Andy Murray's dreams of glory!

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EpsHyh-chs

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37978149) - ATP World Tour Finals 2016: Andy Murray beats Marin Cilic in London

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/37987671) - ATP World Tour Finals: Jamie Murray & Bruno Soares beat Bryan brothers

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/singles-no1-race-finale-2016-monday) - The Battle For Year-End No. 1 Explained

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-soares-bryans-finale-2016-tuesday) - Murray/Soares Storm Past Bryan Brothers In Pursuit Of No. 1 Spot

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/32850/10657828/andy-murray-beats-marin-cilic-in-atp-world-tour-finals-opener) - Andy Murray beats Marin Cilic in ATP World Tour Finals opener
includes an interview with Andy

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/38285/sir-chris-hoy-andy-murray-can-learn-from-roger-federers-example-and-stay-at-the-top/) - Sir Chris Hoy: Andy Murray can learn from Roger Federer’s example and stay at the top

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/atp-finals-andy-murray-vs-marin-cilic-report-results-world-no-1-wins-a7417941.html) - ATP Finals: Andy Murray up and running in bid to hold on to world No 1 spot with victory over Marin Cilic

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/14/andy-murray-marin-cilic-atp-world-tour-finals-02) - Andy Murray blasts past Marin Cilic at start of ATP World Tour Finals

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10657981/andy-murray-analyses-atp-world-tour-finals-win-over-marin-cilic) - Andy Murray analyses ATP World Tour Finals win over Marin Cilic
The Skypad intervidw with Mark Petchey

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31670/10657830/andy-murrays-match-against-kei-nishikori-will-be-huge-says-sky-sports-expert-greg-rusedski) - Andy Murray's match against Kei Nishikori will be huge, says Sky Sports expert Greg Rusedski

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10657829/andy-murray-says-no-1-ranking-has-not-changed-him-after-atp-world-tour-finals-win) - Andy Murray says No 1 ranking has not changed him after ATP World Tour Finals win

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.com/tennis/atp-world-tour-finals/2016/andy-murray-has-gone-from-misunderstood-to-a-much-loved-british-icon-like-david-attenborough_sto5950082/story.shtml) - Andy Murray has gone from misunderstood to a much-loved British icon like David Attenborough

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/38324/andy-murray-i-wasn-t-really-nervous-conditions-were-slower-than-last-week-/) - Andy Murray: 'I wasn't really nervous. Conditions were slower than last week'

[jagmad]

"Andy Murray has gone from misunderstood to a much-loved British icon like David Attenborough"

Yeah right.
Leopard's don't change their spots.
Nor do the ignorant ever learn.

[cazza99]

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18054844/british-tennis-needs-make-most-role-model-andy-murray-leon-smith) - British tennis needs to make the most of role-model Andy Murray, says Leon Smith

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10658380/andy-murrays-service-syndrome-may-be-a-thing-of-the-past) - Andy Murray's service syndrome may be a thing of the past

ESPN (http://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/18054455/atp-world-tour-finals-kei-nishikori-hoping-slow-andy-murray-train) - Kei Nishikori hoping to slow down the Andy Murray train

[Bardot]

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=125459)

Andy Murray

London, England, United Kingdom

A. MURRAY/M. Cilic

6-3, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. That must have been a special moment, being announced as world No. 1, hearing the reception you got?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it was a great reception obviously. A really, really good atmosphere tonight. Yeah, it was obviously nice to play in that stadium with the crowd like that. It obviously helps.

After a long kind of few months, it's nice to know that I'm going to be finishing the year, you know, playing in that sort of atmosphere. It helps you get up for the matches a bit more, as well.

Yeah, it was good.

Q. You said before you played Isner in Paris, the nerves were still there, didn't feel like you achieved something, you were still flat. How were the nerves tonight? How much were they a factor in some of the double-faults in the first set? Were you extra nervous?
ANDY MURRAY: No, not really. No, I wasn't really. I think it's one of the things, you know, that can be tricky in a group stage, because you have that sort of feeling a little bit like you can afford lose a match, which is never really the case.

I didn't feel any more nervous than usual. It's just quite different conditions in there than what we've been practicing in during the week. It's a lot slower than it has been. A lot of the players have said that that I've spoken to. I don't know if it's because of the humidity in there. Normally when it gets hotter, it tends to speed the ball up. But it felt much slower tonight than it had done during the week.

Obviously playing with a packed crowd, it changes things a bit. I think maybe some of the errors at the beginning were more getting used to playing in new surroundings again.

Q. Regarding the world No. 1 ranking, did it feel strange when you ran into Novak the first time after getting the world No. 1 ranking? When you went into a match like this evening, your first one officially as No. 1, was it easy or difficult to put it out of your mind?
ANDY MURRAY: I've not been thinking about that really. Sort of the day it happened and also the day of the final in Paris, it was definitely on my mind, you know, quite a lot. Then I had a lot of message on the Monday.

The last few days, I haven't thought about it too much. It didn't change much for me.

And then when I went out? I forgot the beginning part of the question.

Q. Did it feel different or strange meeting Novak after that?
ANDY MURRAY: No. I mean, no. No, it wasn't strange. I mean, we've known each other for such a long time. I think both of us have been kind of used to congratulating each other over the years. I mean, we bump into each other every week after he's won an event the last few years, and it's become quite a normal thing to congratulate him on winning tournaments and everything he's achieved. It's quite normal.

We don't go, Congratulations, and talk about it for 10 minutes. We talk about our families and other stuff. We don't discuss it much.

Q. You know pretty well Jonas Bjorkman. He was with the other side. Is that a big influence, a good thing, or it doesn't matter at all?
ANDY MURRAY: I've never lost to one of my ex-coaches, so I don't know. It obviously hasn't had, you know, a negative effect on me.

Yeah, I don't think it makes much difference, to be honest. All of the players really know kind of how I play pretty much now. Obviously there's a few extra things that Jonas would know, things that I was maybe working on with him at the time.

I'm also working on different things now than I was last year. Things change and move on. You improve certain parts of your game. That's it.

Q. How has your settled family life impacted on your tennis? Is that a big reason why you're here at the O2 as No. 1?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I don't know. It's quite a difficult question. It doesn't sort of directly impact your tennis. I mean, you have to still go out there on the practice court, train hard, get in the gym, work hard on your game.

We've spoken about this a lot the last few months. It's kind of away from the court, I've been dealing with wins and losses much better than I did in the past I think just because I have something else that's more important. Throughout the year I'm not having - haven't this year anyway - had so many ups and downs because I'm not sort of getting too high after wins or too down after losses, which was maybe the case in the past.

When I won in Paris, it was great. I really enjoyed that. But then you come home and you're back with your family. You're just back to normal. I'm not thinking about Paris and rankings and things like that. So I feel just a bit more sort of even-keeled through the year.

Q. Can you talk about the next match against Nishikori, who played a solid match today against Stan.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I didn't see the match, but he obviously must have played very well. To win against a player like Stan with that scoreline, I don't think Stan had really any chances on Kei's serve either. Looked like from the scoreline a comfortable match.

I would say this is probably his best year that he's had on the tour. He's one of the best players in the world. He's been playing very well the last few months especially.

Q. Sort of a broader player council question. Can you talk about how you feel the sport deals with the complexities of lack of effort or perceived lack of effort and how that can be policed or not policed.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think it's a very difficult one to deal with because obviously we spoke quite a lot about, like, Nick's situation in Shanghai, which was obviously bad. He also admitted to it, as well, which is actually good in some ways because a lot of people don't try their best, then would just say nothing to sort of defend themselves so they don't get in a bad situation.

There will be matches during the year, especially on the doubles tour, where singles players play, they lose in singles, they just step on the court to play the match.

But it's a difficult one to police. I don't really know how you would go about that. It's a difficult one, for sure.

Q. You've been back in the company of Ivan now for six days. In that time, how many occasions has the phrase 'world No. 1 ranking' come up in conversations between the two of you?
ANDY MURRAY: Once, I think, after the first practice that I had on Thursday. Yeah, we haven't spoken about it.

I spoke to him about it on the Saturday night in Paris. We spoke on the phone about it, then moving forward, you know, for the end of this year and stuff. But since we've been here, I haven't spoken with the team about it, not once.

[piscesperson]

Not a hair out of place! Kim Murray keeps her immaculately-coiffed blow-dry in check but can barely contain her excitement as Andy storms to victory in the ATP World Tour Finals :facepalm:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3943010/Kim-Murray-cheers-Andy-ATP-World-Tour-Finals.html

Andy Murray comes from a set down to beat Kei Nishikori at ATP World Tour finals and closes in on last four spot
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3942508/Andy-Murray-comes-set-beat-Kei-Nishikori-ATP-World-Tour-finals-closes-four-spot.html

Andy Murray battles past Kei Nishikori to stay on course at ATP finals
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/16/andy-murray-battles-past-kei-nishikori-atp-finals

Andy Murray beats Kei Nishikori at ATP World Tour Finals in London
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38003251

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39DS1g71lmE

[piscesperson]

Wimbledon: BBC extends broadcast contract with All England Club
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38017299

[piscesperson]

Interview with Andy from yesterday shown on BBC2's WTF coverage today.
1 hr 37mins 40 seconds in
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b083bxt7/tennis-world-tour-finals-2016-day-5-djokovic-v-goffin

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/34654/10659851/andy-murrays-victory-over-kei-nishikori-was-one-of-the-best-ever-says-peter-fleming) - Andy Murray's victory over Kei Nishikori was one of the best ever, says Peter Fleming

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12040/10659522/andy-murray-edges-out-kei-nishikori-in-epic-at-atp-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray edges out Kei Nishikori in epic at ATP World Tour Finals

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10659889/stan-wawrinka-focused-on-andy-murray-at-atp-world-tour-finals) - Stan Wawrinka focused on Andy Murray at ATP World Tour Finals

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10660441/andy-murray-takes-on-stan-wawrinka-at-atp-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray takes on Stan Wawrinka at ATP World Tour Finals

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10659712/andy-murray-credited-by-anthony-joshua-phil-taylor-martin-kaymer-and-more) - Andy Murray credited by Anthony Joshua, Phil Taylor, Martin Kaymer and more
video of sports stars paying tribute to Andy

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10659966/andy-murray-joined-mark-petchey-at-the-skypad-to-analyse-his-win-over-kei-nishikori) - Andy Murray joined Mark Petchey at the SkyPad to analyse his win over Kei Nishikori

[cazza99]

The National (http://www.thenational.scot/sport/14908710.Tennis__Andy_Murray___s_triumphs_can___t_ be_wasted_by_game__says_Leon_Smith/) - Tennis: Andy Murray’s triumphs can’t be wasted by game, says Leon Smith

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10660550/the-sky-sports-tennis-team-do-the-mannequin-challenge) - The Sky Sports Tennis team do the Mannequin Challenge

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/atp-finals-andy-murray-novak-djokovic-world-no-1-perfect-final-a7422096.html) - ATP Finals: Andy Murray dreaming of a 'perfect' final against Novak Djokovic in shootout for world No 1 spot

Scottish Sun (https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/179099/roger-federer-attempts-to-play-bagpipes-to-promote-charity-match-against-andy-murray/)- What a racket! Roger Federer attempts to play bagpipes to promote charity match against Andy Murray :facepalm:

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/finale-2016-wednesday-murray-nishikori-brain-game) - Brain Game: Murray Prevails With Short Rallies


Nishikori’s Advantage

1. Hit more overall winners (37-31).

2. Won more points at net (21-15).

3. Made more first serves (64% to 54%).

4. Averaged hitting his forehand harder (75mph to 70mph).

5. Averaged hitting his backhand harder (69mph to 63mph).

6. Hit more forehand winners (23-11).

7. Hit more backhand winners (8-6).

8. Hit more spin on his forehand (2673rpm to 2344rpm).

9. Hit more spin on his backhand (1827rpm to 1625rpm).

10. Ran less (3034m to 3428m).

11. Created more break point opportunities (11-7).

12. Won the 5-9 shot rally length 43-42.

13. Won the 9+ shot rally length 20-12.


Murray's Advantage

1. The 0-4 shot rally length 76-58 (by 18 points).

[cazza99]

Sun (https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/2202040/when-you-watch-andy-murray-on-days-like-these-you-realise-no-man-in-history-has-worked-harder-to-become-world-no%E2%80%8A1/) - When you watch Andy Murray on days like these, you realise no man in history has worked harder to become world No 1

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18064308/atp-world-tour-finals-perspective-helping-andy-murray-keep-emotions-check) - Perspective helping Andy Murray keep emotions in check

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3943892/Andy-Murray-expresses-opposition-unethical-hunting-protesters-call-world-No-1-ditch-Armour.html)- Andy Murray expresses opposition to unethical hunting after protesters call for world No 1 to ditch Under Armour

Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/atp-world-tour-finals-2016-andy-murray-survives-marathon-against-kei-nishikori-gael-monfils-withdraws-20161116-gsr3lb.html) - ATP World Tour Finals 2016: Andy Murray survives marathon against Kei Nishikori, Gael Monfils withdraws

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-nishikori-finale-2016-wednesday) - Murray Digs Deep To Top Nishikori

Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser (http://www.dorkingandleatherheadadvertiser.co.uk/world-number-one-andy-murray-is-rumoured-to-have-brought-a-house-in-leatherhead/story-29904131-detail/story.html) - Is tennis world number one Andy Murray about to move to Leatherhead?

[piscesperson]

Scottish Sun (https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/179099/roger-federer-attempts-to-play-bagpipes-to-promote-charity-match-against-andy-murray/)- What a racket! Roger Federer attempts to play bagpipes to promote charity match against Andy Murray :facepalm:

I remember this pic of Roger in a Scotland strip
http://stv.tv/sport/football/107407-roger-federer-in-scotland-football-strip-mystery/

[Bardot]

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=125531)

Andy Murray

London, England, United Kingdom

A. MURRAY/K. Nishikori

6-7, 6-4, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It was obviously a very long match after a very long season. How are you feeling physically?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, a bit tired obviously. But you tend to feel it more the following day, sort of in terms like stiffness and soreness in the body.

I was in the ice bath after the match. That obviously helps kind of make you feel a bit better. But, yeah, sort of 10, 12 hours afterwards the body starts to stiffen up. I'm sure tomorrow I'll be a bit sore. But it's positive I get a day's rest, a day's recovery tomorrow.

Q. Could you describe a bit how it feels, some of those rallies you're playing. He's great at working the ball around the court. Do your legs feel like they're full of lead shot? Gasping for air after some of them.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, well, especially the first set, beginning part of the second set, he was dictating almost all of the rallies. At one stage they put up the graphic on the screen in the first set, said I made 96% of returns, which at that stage means maybe I missed one. There wasn't any quick points on his serve. There was a lot of rallies one after another.

Often on a surface like this, you'll play some quicker points where you maybe get aced or don't make returns. But it was kind of every point there was rallies, and you're having to play four, five shots.

It's tough. Like you say, he does move the ball around extremely well, better than anyone maybe. So, yeah, it was physically tough. Thankfully I was getting quite a few free points on my own serve, which helped.

It wasn't easy because I wasn't able to dictate many of the points, it felt. More so in the third set I was able to. But not in the first couple sets. I was having to run, fight, get as many balls back as I could.

Q. What do you think actually divided today's outcome? What were the most important factors that account for your victory? What was the difference between you and Kei today?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, there was nothing really in it. I think the third set, obviously I got off to a quick start. I think the 2-1 game in the third set was very important. I had just broken him. It was a long game, that next one. I think he had one or two breakpoints there. When I won that, I think his head dropped for five minutes. I was up 5-1. Just had a big enough lead to finish it off at 5-4.

But he came back well, fought right to the end. Yeah, that was the difference really, just that I got off to a slightly quicker start in the third set.

But, I mean, he could have won in two sets, for sure. He was dictating, like I said, many points. He had a number of chances.

Q. You were fist pumping or smiling after some mistakes. I can't remember having seen you do that. Is it a new way of relieving frustration?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I think it's just more frustration. I didn't feel like I was hitting the ball as well as I would have liked. You know, like I said, he was dictating so many of the points. For me it was frustrating. Didn't matter whether I tried to hit the ball a bit harder, adjusted sort of my position on the court, nothing was sort of making me hit the ball cleaner.

As the match went on, I was getting kind of frustrated, then becoming like sarcastic with myself that I couldn't seem to hit the ball as clean as I wanted to. Yeah, I don't often do that, but today I was definitely being more sarcastic towards myself than usual.

Q. Got a great chance of going through now. How important is it to avoid the winner of the other group? The battle with Novak for No. 1 in the points, does that come into it at all? The more matches you win, the more points you get obviously.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, obviously important to win matches to give yourself the best chance to go through. 200 points for each match here is quite a lot, as well. Obviously that increases as you get into the semis, potentially in the final.

It could come down to a match between me and Novak. Who knows what's going to happen the next few days. Just from my side, concentrate on trying to win my own matches, get through as many as I can, make it as tough as possible for Novak to jump me.

Q. At one point in the first set it looked like we were close to having 16,000 fans on their hands and knees looking for a wedding ring. How close were you to losing it off your laces?
ANDY MURRAY: I untied my laces to tie them up. The ring was right next to my shoe. I hadn't lost the ring. When I untied my shoes, the ring would obviously not stay on the laces, so...

Q. No danger then?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I wasn't in any danger of losing it there, no.

Q. The public want it, the TV executives want it. With no disrespect to anybody else involved in this tournament, do you want a shootout with Novak for the No. 1 spot this weekend?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I think for the tournament and stuff, for everyone interested in tennis, that would probably be the perfect way to finish the year. For me and I'm sure for Novak, both of our goals would be to try to win the event. For him, whether that's by beating me, someone else, or for me if it's winning against Novak or another player, it doesn't change for us as players.

Like I said, for the event and everyone interested in tennis, I'm sure that would be the most exciting way to finish the year.

Q. This is a little bit off topic. I've been reading about Under Armour's links to hunting. You're a big animal lover. Did you know about that and how does it sit with you?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, there's certain hunting that's okay, but some that's obviously not, isn't ethical. I wouldn't support that. I'm not too aware of exactly what you are asking me in particular, if there's one situation or not.

But, yeah, I do love animals. Yeah, don't want animals getting killed unnecessarily for fun. I don't agree with that.

Q. Do you like the matchup with Kei Nishikori? When you see his name coming up do you relish or do you think, Another marathon?
ANDY MURRAY: Until this year, we hadn't really played I don't think many marathons. It just turned out that this year we played three extremely long matches. The ones in the Davis Cup and the US Open, obviously very tough, long five-setters. But we've played each other I don't know how many times, 10 or 11 times. It's only really been this year that I remember that we played really, really long matches.

Yeah, hopefully in the future they're not all like that.

Q. It's 20/20 vision, but have you reflected about the non-awarding of points at the Olympics in your tight race with Novak for No. 1? Have you thought about the prospect of you and Jamie both finishing No. 1?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think there should be points at the Olympics. I mean, it wouldn't make any difference whether there was. For a lot of the players, we would play it regardless of whether there's points or not. Winning a gold medal, that's been like the proudest moments of my career, doing that. I would play whether there is no points or there is points.

I'm not sure of the exact reasons for why that changed. But, yeah, I do think there should be points there. Nothing to do with me trying to get to No. 1 or not. I think a lot of the players feel the same way.

Then with me and Jamie trying to finish No. 1, yeah, I mean, it would be amazing to do that. It's obviously unlikely to happen. It's not all in our hands. But, yeah, I don't know if that's happened before. I wouldn't imagine so. But it would be nice to finish the year that way.

Q. How much was your stubbornness a major quality in winning the match today? Where does that stubbornness come from?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I don't know. I don't know if it's necessarily stubbornness that won me the match today because I actually had to change some things. I just saw, when I did the (indiscernible) just now, I was a meter closer to the baseline from the first set to the second set, which is a fairly significant change. I actually had to change when I was out on the court. If I continued doing exactly what I was doing in the first set, I probably would have lost the match.

I think actually the ability to make slight adjustments and change whilst you're out there on the court, you know, is a very positive thing, but it's very important. That's one of the things that the top players I think do well. They work things out when they're out on the court, are able to make changes and adjustments.

[Bardot]

Daily Star (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/other-sports/562923/Andy-Murray-ATP-World-Tour-finals-Novak-Djokovic) - Win or lose at the ATP Tour Finals, Andy Murray is set for Scottish shindig.

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCZ9YxDU48U&t=6s

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38031056) - Andy Murray beats Stan Wawrinka to reach the ATP World Tour Finals last four

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38029766) - Jamie Murray & Bruno Soares end the year with number one ranking

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38033244) - ATP World Tour Finals: Andy Murray ready for Milos Raonic test

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/battle-for-no-1-finale-2016-wednesday) - Murray, Djokovic In Final Push For No. 1

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-brain-game-finale-2016-friday) - How Murray Lost The Power Game But Beat Wawrinka

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/15538/10662174/andy-murray-will-know-whats-coming-from-milos-raonic-in-the-world-tour-semis-says-mark-petchey) - Andy Murray will know what's coming from Milos Raonic in the World Tour semis, says Mark Petchey

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/32850/10661728/andy-murray-beats-stan-wawrinka-at-atp-world-tour-finals-to-reach-semi-finals) - Andy Murray beats Stan Wawrinka at ATP World Tour Finals to reach semi-finals

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10662203/andy-murray-wary-of-milos-raonic-in-atp-world-tour-finals-last-four) - Andy Murray wary of Milos Raonic in ATP World Tour Finals last four

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10662285/andy-murray-will-be-out-to-continue-his-winning-streak-against-milos-raonic-at-the-atp-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray will be out to continue his winning streak against Milos Raonic at the ATP World Tour Finals

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeCAW-EHD4U

[cazza99]

ATP (http://www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/en/news-and-media/tennis/murray-raonic-finale-2016-saturday) - Murray Saves 1 M.P., Defeats Raonic

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38040215) - Andy Murray beats Milos Raonic to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/tennis/37564899) - Relive how Murray beat Raonic in London

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38038268) - Five great shots as Murray beats Raonic

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10662948/andy-murray-beats-milos-raonic-in-atp-world-tour-finals-last-four) - Andy Murray beats Milos Raonic in ATP World Tour Finals last four
includes Sky on court interview with Andy

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31670/10662966/andy-murray-must-believe-he-can-win-sundays-atp-world-tour-final-says-greg-rusedski) - Andy Murray must believe he can win Sunday's ATP World Tour Final, says Greg Rusedski

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10662964/novak-djokovic-is-andy-murrays-biggest-test-says-milos-raonic) - Novak Djokovic is Andy Murray's 'biggest test', says Milos Raonic

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10661960/novak-djokovic-no-surprise-if-i-regain-world-no-1-spot-at-atp-world-tour-finals) - Novak Djokovic: No surprise if I regain world No 1 spot at ATP World Tour Finals

[Bardot]

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=125586)

A. MURRAY/S. Wawrinka

6-4, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It looks easy, but for sure it was not. What was the key for you to win this match? Was it mental, technical?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I think kind of I weathered the early storm a little bit. I mean, Stan came out hitting the ball huge. He was hitting a lot of winners, a lot of aces. He had a couple of they weren't huge opportunities on my serve, but 15-30s, 30-Alls.

But once I got through the early part of the match, I started to create chances in most of his service games. I served very well myself. I got a lot of free points with my serve. That allowed me to also dictate a lot of the points, whereas at the beginning of the match I wasn't able to do that. Stan was, like I said, hitting the ball big, serving well, dictating most of the rallies.

Q. Did you get a chance to congratulate Jamie on his achievement of getting to No. 1? A little word about the achievement, him and Bruno together, ending the year as No. 1.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, they had an amazing year. Only started playing with each other in January. Won the two slams, you know, which is fantastic. Jamie had not won a slam before this year, a men's doubles slam. Bruno neither.

They obviously complement each other's games very well. They've played I think really good in most of the big competitions. They deserve it. They've obviously played extremely well this week. They knew pretty much what they were going to have to do. Yeah, won all three of their matches here.

It's a great achievement for both of them. Very proud of Jamie.

Q. You're obviously right in the thick of it now. Do you ever get the chance to reflect that this is potentially a very big weekend for your family? Will you have sort of various family members here over the weekend?
ANDY MURRAY: I think my mum is here. My grandparents came earlier in the week. They went home on Thursday. My dad was here for the first few days, and he went home on Tuesday morning. He saw me and Jamie play one match each.

But, no, I mean, obviously the whole year has been fantastic for both of us. Obviously, yeah, we would like to finish it perfectly if we can. Still there's a good chance that doesn't happen. Yeah, regardless of what happens over the weekend, we can look back on this year and be very proud of what we've done as a family.

Q. Obviously you're No. 1 at the moment. Jamie is part of the year-end No. 1 team. The profile of tennis in Scotland has never really been higher. Since you've been on tour, I think you can count on one hand the number of indoor courts that have been built. There is a feeling the relative authorities haven't been doing enough. Would you be disappointed if come the end of your career you thought nothing much changed up there?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, obviously I would be disappointed if nothing changed. Yeah, I'm interested in it, for sure. There's not loads I can do about it just now whilst I'm playing.

But obviously my mum's heavily involved in tennis not just in Scotland, but in the whole of the UK. She's pretty aware of everything that's going on.

Yeah, I mean, I spoke a bit about it earlier in the week. I just hope that when I finish, it's better than it was when I started. Whether that's the case now or not, I don't really know.

Q. I want to get your take on your opponent on Saturday, Milos Raonic. You played five times this year, a couple close matches this year. Talk about what you're expecting for him. A lot is on the line for both of you tomorrow.
ANDY MURRAY: It's a big match, obviously. Milos, you know, he obviously serves big, goes for his shots. He moves forward when he has the chance. I think he probably likes the conditions here. It's a little bit quicker.

Yeah, you don't normally get loads of opportunities against the big servers. Then it comes down to when you do get those chances, whether you take them or not. And this year when I've played him, I've created a few opportunities in the matches. When they've come, I've been pretty clinical. I'll need to be the same tomorrow if I want to win.

Q. Back to the family, coming from a small town like Dunblane, both of you No. 1. Do you have any recollections of when you were kids battling it out on the court, maybe thinking you were battling for Grand Slam titles or No. 1 rankings, things like that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, we obviously used to play against each other all of the time pretty much until we were like 12 to 14. That was kind of when we went our separate paths really. Jamie went down to Cambridge for, like, nine months or so. Obviously he went off to Paris, and I went off to Spain when I was 15.

Actually, like, kind of between 12 and then 17 and 18 we didn't spend loads of time together. But before then, we were on the court together. Pretty much every time we went to practice or play tennis, it was together.

But we didn't play loads of tennis. We played probably four hours a week up to that point. It wasn't like loads. But we did play golf together. We played squash together, table tennis. We were always competing against each other, yeah, from a young age.

Now we obviously don't. I think we're probably each other's biggest fans. Yeah, it's really special to get to watch what he's achieved, you know, in the biggest competitions in the sport. Yeah, neither of us ever would have expected this when we were growing up. Need to try and enjoy it.

Q. There's a suggestion that maybe the tournament could stay here past 2018, or even long-term. Would you be a fan of that, support it?
ANDY MURRAY: I haven't given that any thought really at all. They do get great crowds here. On a personal level, obviously I'm close to home and close to my family, so that's nice at the end of the year.

But I'm more interested in doing what's best for tennis. I haven't really spoken to anyone about that. If we changed and went somewhere else, where that would be. It would obviously have to be an upgrade from here.

But, yeah, I don't know. Haven't thought much about it.

Q. What is the significance of missing Novak in the semifinals? Also, what are your memories of Raonic from Wimbledon?
ANDY MURRAY: The beginning was?

Q. With Novak, the significance of missing him in the semis.
ANDY MURRAY: I don't think it's significant really. I don't think it is. I mean, there's a good chance that if I want to win the tournament, I would have to win against him. That would either be in the semis or the final. I don't think that makes a whole lot of difference.

But got a big match obviously against Milos now, a tough one. They played a really close match I think the other day. There were opportunities on both sides. I'm certainly not taking anything for granted. I know it will be hard. I know I'll need to play well to win.

But, yeah, I feel like my game's in a good place. Played much better today than I did a couple days ago. Physically I feel good. So looking forward to the weekend.

Q. Specifically on the Park of Keir development, how important would that be, which is coming up soon, the results will be made known soon? How important would that be for your mum, yourself, Jamie to drop in there in future years?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I think for my mum, obviously it's something she's been working on for a very, very long time. I hope for her that it goes ahead. When I speak to her about it, she so, so wants it to happen.

It's not like, you know, she's going to keep going after this. If it doesn't happen now, this will probably be the last chance. She's put so much time and effort into it. I know she's doing it only for the right reasons.

Yeah, I hope for her that it happens. If not, it would be a shame. But, yeah, I think the decision is in the next few weeks really. We'll find out soon.

Q. You have spoken a lot about the importance and benefits of recovery this week. Given the fact that Milos basically had a day more than you to recover, what bearing could that have on tomorrow?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I hope nothing. I mean, thankfully today's match was quick. In the match with Kei, I played 3 hours and 20 minutes. Definitely would have had an impact on the next day's match. Luckily I had a day's break after the match with Kei, then a quick one, fairly quick one, today.

I don't think it should have too much of an impact.

Q. Back to what you were saying when you used to play Jamie when you were kids. When you played golf, squash, table test, who used to win those matches? Who was the more competitive of the two of you?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, when we were really young, Jamie would have won most things we did. He was 15 months older, so he was bigger and stronger and better than me at most things. He was smarter than me.

Then as we started to get older and physically were on more of a level playing field, we were pretty close really at most things. Jamie is a really good golfer. He was better at that. Football, probably me. Then like squash and table tennis, more of the racquet sports, was pretty close between the two of us really.

Well, that's my recollection of it. He might say something a bit different (smiling). That's what I remember.
Does that still apply after a 3 hours 38 minute match? :sad:

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCYDUVCAfhI

[glenys]

Mods, please move if this is in the wrong place

http://tscnuk.com/murray-and-me/ - written by me (I'm their tennis writer, they approached me - I don't have editor rights lol)

[cazza99]

Mods, please move if this is in the wrong place

http://tscnuk.com/murray-and-me/ - written by me (I'm their tennis writer, they approached me - I don't have editor rights lol)

great article :)

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/15538/10662980/andy-murray-and-novak-djokovic-can-both-win-for-right-to-end-year-as-world-number-one-says-mark-petchey) - Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic 'can both win' for right to end year as world number one, says Mark Petchey

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10664625/andy-murray-unsure-of-recovery-for-atp-world-tour-finals-decider) - Andy Murray unsure of recovery for ATP World Tour Finals decider

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10662977/novak-djokovic-honoured-to-have-set-up-sunday-showdown-with-andy-murray) - Novak Djokovic 'honoured' to have set up Sunday showdown with Andy Murray

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10662905/andy-murray-and-novak-djokovic-their-previous-meetings) - Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic: Their previous meetings

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10651462/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-and-world-no-1-permutations-at-atp-world-tour-finals) - Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and world No 1 permutations at ATP World Tour Finals

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38041654)- Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic: Top two fight to be number one at ATP Finals finale

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/38043804) - Murray v Djokovic: Clash of the tennis titans

Stevegtennis (http://www.stevegtennis.com/2016/11/andy-murray-vs-novak-djokovic-final-preview-atp-finals-2016/) - Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic Final Preview – ATP Finals 2016

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/38461/mats-wilander-andy-murray-deserves-the-yearend-no-1-/) - Mats Wilander: 'Andy Murray deserves the Year-End No. 1'

'Andy Murray is the best tennis player in this moment', Wilander said to Sky Sport Italy. 'I think he should be aware that he deserves the Year-End No. 1. He has been World No. 1 for a week showing to be competitive on any surface. It's his moment. To me Murray remains No. 1 whatever happens. I mean, what he did is incredible: winning Davis Cup, the Olympics for the second time, get married, have a child. He said himself "Nole is struggling, I can do it", and he really did it.'



Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-vs-novak-djokovic-live-blog-atp-world-tour-final-world-number-one-where-can-i-watch-what-a7428066.html) - Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic live: Top two fight it out for world number one spot ATP World Tour Finals

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18089163/andy-murray-comes-big-once-again-matters-most) - Andy Murray comes up big once again when it matters most

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3952886/Andy-Murray-saves-match-point-against-Milos-Raonic-reach-ATP-World-Tour-Finals-decider-stay-course-finish-year-world-No-1.html) - Andy Murray saves match point against Milos Raonic to set up ATP World Tour Finals decider with Novak Djokovic in battle for No 1 spot

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2016/11/19/andy-murray-sees-off-determined-milos-raonic-to-reach-his-first/)- Andy Murray will face Novak Djokovic in ATP World Tour final after marathon victory over Milos Raonic

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18088787/atp-world-tour-finals-advantage-andy-murray-novak-djokovic)- W2W4: Does Murray have enough left to beat Djokovic in Tour finale?

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18079909/atp-world-tour-finals-changing-habits-big-reason-andy-murray-success) - Changing habits a big reason for Andy Murray's success

[Alis]

I can't believe that I might have to revise my opinion of Mats Wilander!

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d32zNRplKSA

[patlowe]

Lovely video. Made me emotional!

[harriet]

kevin mitchell, Gdn, from the O2, (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/20/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-atp-tour-finals) a first draft i think

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38046276)- Andy Murray beats Novak Djokovic to win ATP World Tour Finals title and seal world number one spot

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/tennis/37564902) - Murray wins to end 2016 as world number one
as it happens

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/33504/10665249/andy-murray-defeated-novak-djokovic-to-win-the-atp-world-tour-finals-for-the-first-time) - Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to win the ATP World Tour Finals for the first time

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/live-blog/33504/10665169/atp-world-tour-final-andy-murray-v-novak-djokovic-live) - ATP World Tour Final: Andy Murray bt Novak Djokovic recap1

ATP (http://www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/en/news-and-media/tennis/finale-2016-final-djokovic-murray) - Murray Caps Dream Season With London Title, Year-End No. 1

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEY0XPh3roo

[Bardot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HjAY0sdJM0