Newspaper and internet reports [Archive] - Page 22

Bardot

04-01-2017, 19:34

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=126314)

A. MURRAY/J. Chardy

6-0, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Congratulations. I'm sure you've you looked at stats, and that is as clean of a match as one would hope for for the first match of the year, isn't it?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, well, I think first set Jeremy didn't play particularly well, to be honest.

I was up 40-15 I think first game of the second. I think if I held that game I could have made the second set a bit easier for myself.

He played I think very well in the second set. Every time he was behind in the service games he came up with some good points, was aggressive.

From my side, I felt like I hit the ball very clean. I wasn't misshitting many balls. Moved pretty good. You know, served well, especially in the tiebreak.

Yeah, for a first match it was good for sure, yeah.

Q. You just won 25 matches in a row. What does it say to you?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, it feels a bit -- I don't know, feel like kind of starting fresh again this year. I mean, obviously I would like to try and keep the run going as long as possible.

Does feel a little bit like starting fresh again after the off-season and having not played a match for pretty much a month or month and a half or so.

But, yeah, just try and carry on from where I finished last year, which was playing some of the best tennis of my life. You know, I learnt a lot in that run, in that period at the end of the year. So try and use that to get off to a start this year.

Q. Just towards the end of the match I notice you held your left leg or had a twinge. Anything in that? I think it was the final game.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, last point of the 5-All game I think.

Q. Yeah.
ANDY MURRAY: I think it's just kind of normal first match back. You know, the intensity of the second set was pretty high. There was a lot of running, a lot of long points, tight games, especially on his serve.

I feel fine just now, but just first match back you feel things more because you're moving at an intensity that you can't find in practice.

Yeah, I was happy with how I moved and how my body felt today. So, yeah, it's all positive.

Q. Do you know much about the younger Melzer you're facing tomorrow?
ANDY MURRAY: Not too much, but I've seen him play a few times. I've never played against him before. I saw him play a little bit few years ago in Munich. He reached the quarters, and the winner of my match in the quarters played the winner of his match in the semis.

Yeah, I've seen him play in Vienna. My coach is out there watching his match today. I don't know him really well, but I have seen him play a couple times.

Q. Just curious as to what the pre-season was like for you? Now you're getting older and are at the top of the game. Is something turning or adding an extra percent here or there or anything in the off-season you did to improve?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think, yeah, I mean, I'm obviously not going to get physically much stronger than I am just now. I think at my age, yeah, it's more about maintaining and making sure that you don't pick up any injuries.

But you can still push yourself hard. I just do different things to what I did when I was younger. You know, the VersaClimber that I use and the walk bike -- for example, instead of doing loads of running I do most of my running and movement work on the court.

If I do anything extra than that movement-wise, I'll do it on the sand so it's a little bit nicer on my body and joints.

Yeah, last year the difference I made in the second serve, the improvements I made in the second serve, I won like 3% more points on my second serve. Doesn't sound like a lot, but over the course of a year it's a big difference. I think to get to No. 1 you need to win like 54% points of the total points you play in the year. You lose a lot of points that you play.

Any percentage here or there that you can improve in your game is big. I managed to do that last year. Hopefully I can still find things to get a bit better this year.

Obviously going to be tough.

Q. I know you kind of keep tabs on the young talent coming up. Have you watched Karen Khachanov at all? What do you make of him?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I practiced with him actually a few years ago in Barcelona when I was a training for the clay court season. He was very, very good then. I think he was ranked around 280, 300 at the time. I practiced with him in Vienna last year; practiced with him at the US Open as well.

He's very good. Big guy. Goes for his shots. Strong. You know, he's maybe not one that's talked about as much as some of the other guys because -- I could be wrong, but I felt like in the juniors he didn't maybe do much or maybe didn't play as much as some of the others.

Normally the junior slam champions or junior No. 1s get spoken about a bit more. But he's really good. He's got very good coaches as well, like Galo Blanco. He's done a good job with pretty much everyone he's worked with, so he's on the right path for sure.

Q. I just want to know about the knighthood and how you're feeling about the new title and if any of the players on the tour have been calling you Sir Andy Murray yet?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, a few of the players have been joking about it, but I don't expect any of them to call me by that seriously.

Yeah, for me it's more obviously the sort of honor or recognition of what you achieved. It's obviously very, very nice. Yeah, I wouldn't think I would use the sir much nowadays. I feel like I used to say that to teachers and people much, much older than me.

So, yeah, Andy is good.

Bardot

04-01-2017, 19:36

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv9d30dyZoU

Bardot

04-01-2017, 19:36

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=int0C7b1F2I

cazza99

04-01-2017, 19:42

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38512939) - Qatar Open: Sir Andy Murray extends winning streak to 26 matches

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38504916) - Kyle Edmund reaches Brisbane International quarter-finals

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38500073) - Qatar Open: Sir Andy Murray into second round with 25th straight win

Alis

04-01-2017, 19:46

A great response in amongst all the slime of that scurrilous article from the DM.

This guy obviously knows what he is talking about. I don't think Andy need worry about going bankrupt any time soon!

cazza99

04-01-2017, 19:55

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10718061/andy-murray-battles-past-gerald-melzer-in-doha) - Andy Murray battles past Gerald Melzer in Doha

International Business Times (http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/sir-andy-part-locker-room-jokes-says-murray-while-revealing-plan-2017-season-1599239) - 'Sir Andy' part of locker room jokes says Murray while revealing plan for 2017 season

cazza99

04-01-2017, 19:57

Times (http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/sir-andy-focuses-on-different-title-after-easy-win-8zqxx20sx) - Sir Andy focuses on different title after easy win

Andy Murray entered the locker room in Doha not only with the extra kudos of being the world’s best player. He also walked in with a knighthood, which he sheepishly admitted has resulted in his fellow professionals jokingly referring to him as “Sir”.

“A few of the players have been joking about it, but I don’t expect any of them to call me by that seriously,” Murray said. “For me it’s more the sort of honour or recognition of what you achieved. It’s obviously very, very nice.
“I wouldn’t think I would use the ‘sir’ much nowadays. I feel like I used to say that to teachers and people much, much older than me. So Andy is good.”

cazza99

04-01-2017, 21:29

Bleacher (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2685101-grading-andy-murrays-2016-season-and-looking-ahead-to-2017) - Grading Andy Murray's 2016 Season and Looking Ahead to 2017

Had Murray won the U.S. Open, his second half would have ranked as perhaps the best ever. Not even Federer's 2004-2007 stretch saw him win nine titles from late May to early November.

Bardot

05-01-2017, 10:11

Sport360 (http://sport360.com/article/tennis/international-tennis/217251/qatar-open-blood-sweat-and-selfies-in-doha-as-murray-and-djokovic-take-different-routes-to-quarter-finals/) - Qatar Open: Murray tested by Melzer, Djokovic sweeps past Zeballos

Bardot

05-01-2017, 21:19

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=126330)

A. MURRAY/G. Melzer

7-6, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You didn't know much about him. What did you make of his game and how aggressive he was playing?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I thought he was excellent. I mean, he moved well. His intensity throughout the whole match was great. His level didn't drop at all and he was really aggressive.

As soon as you dropped the ball short or in the middle of the court he was going for it off both sides. He wasn't afraid to come forward either. He moved forward a lot. Maybe didn't volley as well as he would've liked, but he was very, very aggressive and moved well.

Yeah, he's very, very good.

Q. You were serving for the match at 5-4. He broke you back. You can sense some frustration creeping in at that point. What was going through your mind?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know really. Obviously, yeah, you're annoyed that you got broken. I had match points in the game before. Obviously you think a little bit about that, that maybe the match should be over that stage.

I broke straight back. I had Love-40 in that game. That was probably the most positive thing for me. Each time he came back at me I sort of stayed strong.

Tiebreak I was up 6-2. He played some great, great grated tennis to get back to 6-All. Steadied myself and played some good stuff to get the win, so that was most important thing.

Q. Did you sense or expect that players might have more incentive to beat you now that you've got world No. 1 beside your name?
ANDY MURRAY: I have no idea, to be honest. I mean, you know, I don't know. I mean, maybe it's different for each player. I mean, I don't really see the big difference between playing me when I was ranked 2 or playing me when I'm ranked 1. It's the same thing.

Especially guys maybe ranked slightly lower don't have so much to lose, so you're used to guys maybe going bigger than they usually do or being a bit more aggressive or playing a slightly higher level.

You get used to that I think over the years if you've been in the top the game for a while. I don't really know if being 1 or 2 or 3 makes any difference there.

Q. Did anything about him remind you of Jurgen at all, or not so much?
ANDY MURRAY: They're pretty different. Apart from being lefties, they're pretty different players. Jurgen, you know, he plays with maybe a bit more variety. Like he uses his slice a little bit more and flattens the ball out a little bit more on his forehand and is probably more comfortable up at the net.

But Gerald plays with very high intensity and is always focusing on the next point. Yeah, although they're both lefties, they play quite a different game style, in my opinion.

I think Jurgen has probably played some of his better tennis on quicker courts. I think Gerald has played predominantly on clay and slower hard courts.

So they're quite different players. Obviously both very, very talented and really good players.

Q. He seemed to pull off some outrageous shots and then he would miss things like by a mile. Was it difficult to expect what was happening?
ANDY MURRAY: I didn't think he missed shots by a mile at all tonight. He missed a few bad overheads that he didn't smash well. He was wearing glasses, so I don't know. Sometimes when guys wear them they will find it hard in the evening with the flood lights when it's dark.

I don't know if that's an issue for him. I really didn't feel like he missed any shots by -- especially on important moments -- by big margins. He was ripping the ball close to the line.

Yeah, I think he played an excellent, excellent match. I was really, really impressed.

Q. Ideally you would have liked to come through that quickly. What is the positive aspect of coming through a test like that early in the season?
ANDY MURRAY: It was a really good match. I was happy with how I handled it. It wasn't easy because I was having to do a lot of defending and I wasn't able to impose myself as I would've liked because he was taking huge cuts every time he had the opportunity.

But the positive was in the important moments I stayed strong. I served pretty good when I needed to. I moved really well tonight, which is huge part of my game. So to be moving like that this early in the season is really positive.

Yeah, hopefully as the next couple matches go on I'll be able to get myself up a little bit closer to the baseline and start dictating a bit more myself.

Q. Maybe today you don't know much about your opponent, but normally you are well-known as a player who uses data and analyzes your opponent. Could you talk a little bit about not only today's match, but in general could you talk about the importance of using data and to analyze your opponents?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think it can be very helpful. You just have to kind of know what it is that you're looking for. You can find a lot of stats, a lot of data over many tennis matches, but if you don't kind of know how to use it properly, then, you know, it can make things more confusing when you go out on the court.

I think it's important. Some players don't like it at all because they feel like overcomplicates things. I feel like certain things can help a little bit before you go out there.

But, yeah, really just depends how you use it and how your coaches use it. Obviously I don't have the time to be doing it myself. It's up to the coaches to kind of produce that stuff.

Yeah, mine I feel do a good job of that.

Q. The WTA, they actually have an app. I don't know if you've seen it. Obviously they have the on-court coaching. They can look at a tablet and see live stats. Can you imagine doing that on the men's tour? Not on-court coaching, but having access to live stats and looking at them in the middle of the match?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, there are certain stats that I get my team to look at during my matches, and a lot of it is done live as the match is happening. So I'm happy kind of with what I have just now.

Yeah, I haven't seen the WTA stats or the app. I don't know exactly how it works or how many of the coaches and the teams use it.

But, yeah, I think that's a positive thing in tennis. It's sort of something that's a bit underused in comparison to other sports. A lot of ex-players that are coaching now didn't have that when they were playing, so some of them maybe don't think it's that great or useful.

It can be.

Q. Do you think that being the best player in the world makes your opponent play differently, aggressively when they come to play you?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I kind of answered that earlier. I don't know if there is any like huge difference between when you're playing someone ranked 2 in the world to someone ranked No. 1.

You know, a lot of people say being ranked 1 the opponents sometimes go on the court and maybe don't believe that they're going to win. Some people think that the players go out and they're more aggressive and take more chances and have nothing to lose, so it makes it more difficult.

I go out with a game plan, and there are certain things I expect of myself when I'm out there. I take each match as it comes. It's always a challenge when you're playing guys you haven't played before because you don't know their game, patterns of play, so it's difficult to read.
Always impressed by Andy's detailed answers like in comparing the two Melzer brothers.

Bardot

05-01-2017, 21:35

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

France24 (http://www.france24.com/en/20170105-murray-wants-match-fixers-punished-aussie-scandal-erupts?ref=tw_i) - Murray wants match-fixers punished as Aussie scandal erupts

Bardot

05-01-2017, 22:15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-BhYpP1P2M

Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/business/companies/andy-murray-s-five-star-cromlix-hotel-set-to-expand-1-4332618) - Andy Murray’s five star Cromlix Hotel set to expand

cazza99

06-01-2017, 13:10

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38524526) - Qatar Open: Sir Andy Murray reaches semi-final after Nicolas Almagro win

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10719246/andy-murray-says-match-fixers-should-receive-severe-punishment) - Andy Murray says match fixers should receive 'severe punishment'
Please discuss match fixig on the general ATP thread in the Tour Tennis forum.

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/05/andy-murray-qatar-open-semi-finals-johanna-konta-shenzhen-open) - Andy Murray survives scare to reach Qatar Open semi-finals

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-berdych-doha-2017-thursday) - Murray, Djokovic Reach Doha SFs

Bardot

06-01-2017, 20:50

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=126350)

A. MURRAY/N. Almagro

7-6, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Another tough one tonight. Talk a little bit about obviously he didn't seem to want to go away, and also the conditions didn't seem great for either of you.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, tough, tough conditions for everyone today. It was obviously very windy and it was blowing kind of across the court a lot. That makes timing pretty difficult.

So it was hard for everyone today. Cold as well so that the court is pretty dead. You're not really getting much off the surface.

So, yeah, it was tricky. He is also a shot-maker. He goes big. He takes chances. Yeah, made it tough for me. I could have maybe made it a bit easier on myself if I converted a few more break point chances, but got through it in the end.

Q. Andy, you're three for three for the start of the year. Happy with your form so far?
ANDY MURRAY: Certain things, yeah, been pleased with. Definitely moved well. I've had to move well the last couple of matches because the two guys I played were really going for it. And also Chardy was in the first round in the second set.

So I moved well. Kind of difficult to judge tonight how well you're hitting the ball because the conditions didn't really allow for that. Just had to try and find a way to get through. You're never going to play your best tennis when the conditions are like that.

But, yeah, I've come through some difficult moments. Played some good tiebreaks. Yeah, the most important moments in the sets I've been tough. That's good. Still think I can get better.

Q. I don't know if you've heard the news about Oliver Anderson, last year's Australian Open junior champion, charged with alleged match fixing.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I saw that this morning.

Q. Just how disappointed are you that after all the publicity over the last year that someone young like that, talented prospect, is involved in this sort of alleged match fixing?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it's obviously disappointing if true. You know, it's not that easy to comment on stuff now until you know a little bit more about what's going on.

But, yeah, I mean, it's disappointing for the game any time something like that comes out. However, if people are caught and charged, I see that as being a positive thing. If it's going on and nothing is happening about it, you know, that's much worse for the future of the sport.

So, you know, if it's happening, there should be the most severe punishments for whoever is involved in it. Yeah, we'll see what happens over I would imagine the next couple weeks with this particular situation.

But, yeah, for stuff like that you have to have the most severe punishments, otherwise people are going to continue doing it.

Q. I was just looking at the head to heads of yours against your perspective opponents. Given that Tomas has had a little bit more success against you compared to Jo, do you have a preference who you play in the semis?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, be tricky against both of them. They're both big guys with powerful games but play quite differently.

Jo plays a bit more inside the court. He tries to come to net and finish points up at the net; whereas Tomas is bit more comfortable from the back of the court. Probably hits the ball a little bit harder and maybe a bit more solid on returns.

It depends. If one of them plays better than the other one on the day, they're more difficult to beat. Yeah, I don't mind. It's great for me to get another match like that against a top player in the first week of the year, so it's positive regardless who it is.

Q. It seems like a lot of this match fixing stuff is at the challenger level and everything. Just in general, not related to that, obviously everybody goes through that period working their way up. How tough is it down there for players?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, it certainly can be tough. I think even futures level pretty much all matches are streamed online now. People can bet on any level of tennis.

That's obviously going to create problems, especially when the lowest level of the game prize money is -- you're making $700, $800 maybe to win an event. I don't know the exact figures, but I'm imagining if you're fixing a match you're going to make significantly more than that.

So when you have a tour that works the way that ours does, there is always potential for that to happen. Yeah, can be tough. Thankfully I wasn't there for many years. I managed to get out of the futures level quite fast. Some players are at futures and challengers for a very long time.

Q. Can you talk a little bit about just all of the top players have a team. Maybe some lesser ones, too. How do you go about deciphering whose voice you want when? How does it all mesh? They sometimes say too many cooks kind of spoils the pot.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, like when I'm at tournament with just Jamie I don't speak to Ivan. Really I know they talk a lot, but at each event I pretty much have one voice on the tennis side; same with my physio and my physical trainer.

That's what's worked best for me. I think if you have -- I have a team where I have basically two coaches, two physios, and two physical trainers. I think if I was speaking to all of them every day about the stuff I'm going to go, that's difficult.

I try to have as few voices as possible at the tournaments that I'm at, and then when I'm training is more of a time when I'll bounce ideas off everyone and everyone will chat to me about things.

During tournaments try to keep it as simple as possible.

cazza99

06-01-2017, 21:33

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38535586) - Qatar Open: Sir Andy Murray to face Novak Djokovic in final

Bardot

07-01-2017, 09:39

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y03_JJeI62g

cazza99

07-01-2017, 13:45

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10720081/andy-murray-to-face-novak-djokovic-in-qatar-open-final) - Andy Murray to face Novak Djokovic in Qatar Open final

Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-stan-wawrinka-andy-murray-080002128.html) - Exclusive: Stan Wawrinka On Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer And His Late Career Bloom

“I got to my first final at 29 years old, so it [his and Murray’s] situation is completely different,” he says. “The other player [Murray] was in a final at 19, really early.

“I think for one or two years he really improved a lot, pushing and pushing to get closer to Novak. You could see it for the first six months of the year, the French Open final… he was always really really close. He just kept adding different things in the second half of the year, and got a lot of confidence from the way he was playing, winning Wimbledon. What he’s done is amazing, he deserves to be there.”
Conforming to that reputation as a man of steepling moments, Wawrinka’s victories over Murray have come on the grandest stages. His seven victories in 17 matches include knocking Murray from the 2010 and 2013 U.S. Opens. The volte face occurred at the 2016 French Open, when Murray beat Wawrinka over four sets—his sole success against the Swiss player on clay.

“I think we have had really good battles many times,” Wawrinka says. “In general when I play him it’s later in the tournament, in the quarters, so I get more confident and start to play my best tennis. If you look in general at his career, he’s an amazing fighter, an amazing tennis player and number one in the world.”

Sun (https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/tennis/2557364/andy-murray-qatar-open-final-novak-djokovic-bring-it-on/) - Andy Murray fires first shot ahead of Qatar Open final showdown with Novak Djokovic, roaring ‘Bring it on’

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4095858/Andy-Murray-progresses-final-Qatar-Open-straight-sets-victory-against-Tomas-Berdych.html)- Andy Murray progresses to the final of the Qatar Open after straight sets victory against Tomas Berdych

Britwatch Sports (http://www.britwatchsports.com/murray-sets-up-match-with-djokovic-in-doha-showdown/) - Murray sets up match with Djokovic in Doha showdown

livetennis (http://www.livetennis.com/category/livetennis-news/andy-murray-vs-novak-djokovic-atp-doha-preview-and-live-stream-20170106-0010/) - Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic ATP Doha Preview and Live Stream: Top Two Resume Rivalry in Doha

cazza99

07-01-2017, 13:57

Times (http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/djokjovic-has-point-to-prove-against-murray-38jmj83xm) - Djokovic has point to prove against Murray
sub required

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38535586) - Qatar Open: Sir Andy Murray to face Novak Djokovic in final

Bardot

08-01-2017, 09:21

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=126387)

A. MURRAY/T. Berdych

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You're going to play your second final here tomorrow against Novak. How will you prepare for the final?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, it's pretty late tonight, so just go back, try and recover, and do my usual practice match routine. Won't do anything different.

Q. Do you think the match of tomorrow has a little bit of extra importance? If Novak were to win he may get some more confidence before Australia; for you, keep the momentum going into Melbourne.
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know exactly. It's almost impossible to say, really. I think from my side this week has been a positive week. I'm happy that I've had five matches and some pretty competitive sets going into Australia.

So I know that when the Aussie Open starts I'm going to be ready. But it's a great test tomorrow. To start the year it's great to play against one of the best in the world.

Obviously ideally win the match, but I mean, I don't know how much bearing a match tomorrow has on what happens in Australia. There is a lot of tennis to be played before we potentially play again there.

Will be some difficult draws in Australia this year because of the way the seedings are; some of the best guys coming back from injury. I'm not putting loads of pressure on tomorrow's match.

Q. You and Novak go all the way back to your junior years and you faced him 25 times on tour. Are there any secrets between you two or you pretty much know what to expect when you go out against him?
ANDY MURRAY: Every match can be different. Different surfaces, certain things might work on grass that doesn't work on clay and things that work on clay that don't work on hard court. You need to be able to change and adapt.

Some days certain shots might not be working so you need to try and find different ways of winning. We know each other's games better than we know anyone else's. Novak has played Roger and Rafa a bunch as well, but definitely I think Novak is the guy I've played the most.

Q. Some were saying they think your movement is actually better than at the end of last year. I suppose that might be natural because you had a break, but is that how you feel on the court?
ANDY MURRAY: I think normally playing outdoors the conditions have been fairly slow this week because of how cold it's been really. I do feel like I've been tracking a lot of balls down.

At the end of last year I was tired, so it would be -- when you're fresh or fresher you should in theory move better. Definitely feel like I'm moving a bit better than the beginning of the week. That's been the most positive thing for me, to be moving this well at the start of the year.

Hopefully I keep that going through into Australia.

Q. Off-tennis question. I don't know if you heard, there was a shooting in the Ft. Lauderdale airport a little while ago. Some people are dead. It's close to your sometimes home. And then the Kvitova incident. Do you worry about your security when you travel, or do you just have to put it out of your mind? Especially you're obviously a recognizable person; how do you deal with that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think -- yeah, I mean, it's one of those things that sort of comes into your mind from time to time. Obviously when you hear about what happened with Petra, you know, it's shocking. It's fairly rare, but shocking nonetheless.

You know, yeah, you do think sometimes when you're traveling you just have thoughts that something may be happening sometimes when you're in large groups of people. Yeah, you can get a little bit anxious from time to time.

Yeah, you just try to continue living your life as is. Definitely been a tough few years. A lot of problems all over the world. So, yeah, got to keep your wits about you. That's it.

Q. My question is also not about today's match, but what you are doing with Huffington Post as a guest editor is fascinating talking. Could you talk a little bit about importance of making your opinion about men's suicide in your country?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, well, I mean, it's something that -- I mean, I think a lot of men find it quite difficult to open up about how they're feeling. Sometimes I think definitely in sport from a young age it's something that I don't think you're really encouraged that much because it's sort of seen as a sign of weakness, and athletes, you're supposed to be mentally very strong all of the time.

But we're just like anyone else. We're very sensitive, a lot of us, and I've gone through difficult times myself where I didn't feel like I was able to open up to anyone. You just end up beating yourself up about things. It's not pleasant.

So I think the more comfortable people are to open up and talk about how they're feeling the better.

That's why I did it.

cazza99

08-01-2017, 12:55

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38543404)- Qatar Open: Novak Djokovic beats Sir Andy Murray in final to end Brit's winning streak

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-4097936/It-s-hard-believe-things-better-really-Andy-Murray-s-moment.html) - It's hard to believe things could get better for him, but this really could be... Andy Murray's moment

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/sir-statue-murray-dunblanes-bid-9582542) - Sir Statue Murray: Dunblane's bid to immortalise tennis hero Andy in bronze

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10720978/novak-djokovic-beats-andy-murray-to-win-qatar-open) - Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win Qatar Open

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10721893/andy-murray-thinks-his-week-in-qatar-was-good-prep-for-melbourne)- Andy Murray thinks his week in Qatar was good prep for Melbourne

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-doha-2017-final-reaction) - Murray Feeling Positive Despite Doha Final Loss

harriet

08-01-2017, 14:53

the djo/murray rivalry (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/rivalries-djokovic-murray)
from the ATP site, run down of their encounters over the years

piscesperson

08-01-2017, 16:11

Tuesday 8.30pm - 10pm Eurosport 2
2012 Aussie Open Semi-final between Andy and Novak.

Bardot

08-01-2017, 20:23

Transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=126408)

N. DJOKOVIC/A. Murray

6-3, 5-7, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Overall, despite the loss, is it a week of positives for you heading to Melbourne?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, obviously disappointed not to win tonight, but I played pretty good the last couple of the matches. I think physically it was a good test to start the year, and I did good there.

My body feels all right just now, so that's positive. It was a little bit sore earlier in the week after the first couple of the matches. Felt better each day.

Yeah, I think it's positive. Still think there are things I can do better. You know, I wasn't that clinical on break points this week, which maybe that comes with playing a few more matches. That's something I could definitely do a little bit better.

Q. Does the defeat have any relevance when it comes to heading towards the Australian Open? Does it put down a psychological marker, or it is just something you forget once you're out of here?
ANDY MURRAY: I still think I have a chance of winning the Australian Open after tonight. I don't think that changes. It's disappointing to lose for sure. I have a chance to win the Australian Open still.

Q. Just based on your previous matches with Novak towards the end of last year, is he any different this time round? Did you notice anything different tonight?
ANDY MURRAY: Look, I mean, the match at the O2 wasn't the best tennis from either of us, I don't think. There was a lot on the line in this match, and often in sport when you have a lot riding on a match the level isn't always the best.

Tonight maybe both of us played a little bit better than we did there, but as always, it kind of comes down to who takes their opportunities. I did have a few chances. I had a break point at 3-2; in the last game I had Love-30 on Novak's serve and played a couple loose shots.

I think I had the first break point in the first set as well; didn't get it. He had one and took it. That was the difference this evening.

Q. I think you recently talked about you have short-term goals that keep you going. When you're putting in the hard yards in Miami, is it something like the Australian Open that drives you when you're doing the drills on the beach and whatever else?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah, because, I mean, tennis players, I mean, I've been playing best-of-three set matches since I was literally nine years old. That's what my body is conditioned to do.

To get it to compete over best-of-five set matches, which is at the slams or the biggest events for the players, you need a little bit more than what you have built up over the years. You need to work on the conditioning to have that little extra bit of stamina for the best-of-five set matches.

That's why I go train in hot weather. It's not for best-of-three set matches. My body has been doing that since I was a child really. It's when you become a grown up and start playing the best-of-five in slams and Davis Cup, and that's what the training is for.

Q. Given that you are on the three-set format for a good chunk of the regular season, do you prepare any differently heading into the slams?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah. Like I was saying there, the training that I do, sort of at the end of last year, for example, when the last two and a half months of the year you don't play any best-of-five-set matches. A lot of the training is a lot more kind of shorter, sharper stuff.

Whereas when you're preparing for the new year and with the Aussie Open just around the corner, there is a lot more stamina-based work, a lot more cardio training than I do. For example, at the end of last year we would do very little cardio stuff. Get all of that done pretty much on the court.

Yeah, playing in slams obviously physically is harder; at times mentally it's a little bit easier just because you have more time to work things out. Here in best-of-three-set matches, they can get away from you quite quickly.

You need to start fast.

Djokovic transcript. (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=126409)

Alis

08-01-2017, 22:41

Interesting to read Djoko's comments about the 'egg'. It is obviously still very much part of his regime.

Rosalind

08-01-2017, 23:13

Also interesting to read that he considers smashing a ball into the front row on purpose is the same as inadvertently hitting someone via a serve. The perils of the front row eh!

harriet

09-01-2017, 12:24

reuters/Gdn (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/07/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-qatar-open-match-reporthttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/07/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-qatar-open-match-report) report of the Doha final, plus links to other articles

lovetennis

09-01-2017, 13:31

Also interesting to read that he considers smashing a ball into the front row on purpose is the same as inadvertently hitting someone via a serve. The perils of the front row eh!

Yes I thought that too! It's a completely different thing. And when Andy inadvertently hit a lady with a serve at the O2 he graciously ran down to the other end of the court, doffed his cap and apologised to the lady. Hardly the same as striking the ball in anger even if no harm to an individual is intended. Djok has got off very lightly with a fine of $2500 which will hardly affect his bank balance.

Hawkeye

10-01-2017, 06:06

Sorry, but as the Times has a paywall I've had to delete Bardot's picture of their sport page.

Teresa

10-01-2017, 07:58

There is another article today in The Times today that is very good as well.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/now-i-dont-care-if-people-call-me-boring-or-miserable-6sq3dq090

Anyone without a sub who wants to read it just pm me. Probably with an e-mail - it's a bit long for pm's.

Bardot

10-01-2017, 09:31

Sorry, but as the Times has a paywall I've had to delete Bardot's picture of their sport page.

It was the Times's Stu Fraser who tweeted the page. No paywall broken as it's on a public forum and is only a teaser for a much longer interview inside.

RosieBear

10-01-2017, 11:20

I've got a Times sub, so if anyone wants the article Bardot posted ('Murray: My Knighthood Dilemma. I worried honour would have effect on my performances, world No 1 admits') in which Andy talks about discussing whether he was going to accept the honour, they can pm me for a copy. (it's different to the one Teresa has posted a link to).

harriet

10-01-2017, 12:44

gdn, on andy's qualms (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/10/sir-andy-murray-admits-to-have-reservations-over-accepting-knighthood-tennis?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+main+NEW+H+categories&utm_term=207686&subid=256531&CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2)
Guardian is a newspaper that wants people to read it - just saying!

pabbers

10-01-2017, 16:19

On the subject of a sub for the Times. If you just want to read an Andy related article here and there/now and again, then you can do what I did today and register without payment or giving any payment details. This entitles you to read 2 Times articles for free per week. That's probably enough for me......

WimbledonWestie

10-01-2017, 19:03

I discovered that this morning too. The article was worth signing up for. Will have to select my 2 per week with care.

cazza99

10-01-2017, 20:20

We will probably get more good articles in the Times now Stu Fraser is working for them.

WimbledonWestie

10-01-2017, 22:13

Yeah that was my thinking.

rimarli

10-01-2017, 22:59

Sorry, but as the Times has a paywall I've had to delete Bardot's picture of their sport page.

Yes I thought that too! It's a completely different thing. And when Andy inadvertently hit a lady with a serve at the O2 he graciously ran down to the other end of the court, doffed his cap and apologised to the lady. Hardly the same as striking the ball in anger even if no harm to an individual is intended. Djok has got off very lightly with a fine of $2500 which will hardly affect his bank balance.

That's only 1 minutes work. Disgraceful. No deterrent. No exactly youngsters

cazza99

11-01-2017, 12:04

Posted on the Judy Murray thread but belongs here too

Andy Murray & Jamie Murray Star in Ed Sheeran ..Don't Music Tribute Video

https://youtu.be/KCsP3JUP9FI

Bardot

11-01-2017, 12:05

Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-channel-seven-callers-to-reference-world-no1-as-sir-andy-murray-20170111-gtpll5.html) - Australian Open: Channel Seven callers[commentators] to reference world No.1 as Sir Andy Murray

The millstone gets heavier. ;)

"Not only is he tennis royalty, he's now a Knight Bachelor, so yes of course we will be showing him the respect he deserves and refer to him as Sir Andy Murray."

cazza99

11-01-2017, 12:09

Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-channel-seven-callers-to-reference-world-no1-as-sir-andy-murray-20170111-gtpll5.html) - Australian Open: Channel Seven callers[commentators] to reference world No.1 as Sir Andy Murray

The millstone gets heavier. ;)

quote from the above article

It is understood Tennis Australia is also planning to pay tribute to Murray when he walks out on to Rod Laver Arena, but details about what they have planned remain a secret.

angiebabez

11-01-2017, 14:00

Andys been nominated for the Laures world sportsman award...it was announced by Novak Djokovic ;)

Bardot

11-01-2017, 14:00

Laureus (https://www.laureus.com/news/and-nominees-2017-laureus-world-sports-awards-are) - And the Nominees for the 2017 Laureus World Sports Awards are...

http://i64.tinypic.com/2s7gks5.png

Bardot

11-01-2017, 14:39

There's a strong case for Djokovic being one of the nominees so quite classy he's announcing the candidates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RyBrz5zS-M

-J-

11-01-2017, 14:57

There's a strong case for Djokovic being one of the nominees so quite classy he's announcing the candidates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RyBrz5zS-Mclassy? Djokovic , some one fetch my pitchfork http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww358/jaydu007/pitchforkmob_zpssaq0we6p.gif (http://s735.photobucket.com/user/jaydu007/media/pitchforkmob_zpssaq0we6p.gif.html)

Alis

11-01-2017, 15:53

There's a strong case for Djokovic being one of the nominees so quite classy he's announcing the candidates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RyBrz5zS-M

I suspect he's being paid a substantial sum for doing it! ;)

pabbers

11-01-2017, 16:53

Probably the effect of the Olympics again.

Rosalind

11-01-2017, 18:03

I'm not sure where to post this, but I got an email advertising a magazine celebrating Andy's year. I know nothing further and just thought I'd pass on.

http://tennisgallerywimbledon.com/products/andy-murray-a-tennis-threads-special-edition

patlowe

11-01-2017, 21:28

From Rosalind's post above re magazine about Andy....

"The publishers of TENNIS THREADS magazine are bringing out a special publication celebrating ANDY MURRAY's phenomenal successes during 2016. This attractive 100+ pages, magazine-format publication will be packed with stories and colour photographs of Andy and his leading rivals on the ATP World Tour, and will be available in late-January 2016. The text is by Mike Donovan, the editor is Henry Wancke and design is by Paul Johnson of Rebel Creative Media."

Presume they mean January 2017!!!

WimbledonWestie

11-01-2017, 22:20

I got that email too- bound to be worth £9, must remember to order.

Bardot

11-01-2017, 23:10

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/11/andy-murray-commitment-play-queens-club-rest-of-career) - Andy Murray makes commitment to play at Queen’s Club for rest of career

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mnn6rSpvDU

Bardot

11-01-2017, 23:13

For anyone awake at 5.20 am...

UnderArmourAustralia ‏@UnderArmourAust
Join World #1 @andy_murray on Jan 12th from 4:20pm AEST for a LIVE Facebook Q&A from Under Armour’s NEW Brand House at Chadstone.

Bardot

12-01-2017, 11:27

Rosalind

12-01-2017, 12:34

The West Australian (https://thewest.com.au/news/7-news/andy-murray-interview-bc-5279098280001) - Andy Murray Interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh1fNRyedtc

Chris Evans on Radio 2 this morning about Andy not wishing to be addressed as Sir, "well give it to someone else". :rolleyes:

what a pain it must be to have to keep saying the same thing over and over .. in this case "please call me Andy". !! Re Chris, he's always been a pain.

cazza99

12-01-2017, 14:45

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38588408)- BBC extends Queen's Club deal as Andy Murray commits to event for rest of career

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/38583683) - Joshua Ward-Hibbert: Ex-junior Grand Slam champion makes basketball leap

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38594794) - Dan Evans beats Dominic Thiem to reach Sydney semi-finals

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38596947) - Johanna Konta beats Eugenie Bouchard to progress to final in Sydney

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38591456)- Rise in suspicious betting patterns in tennis a concern, says TIU report

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4110708/Andy-Murray-banks-700k-year-appear-Wimbledon-warm-Queen-s-rest-career.html) - Andy Murray banks £700k a year to appear at Wimbledon warm-up Queen's for the rest of his career

news.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/andy-murray-believes-nick-kyrgios-can-become-a-tennis-great-if-he-narrows-his-focus/news-story/60307b7ff388a4940bf1440e4df49cf2) - Andy Murray believes Nick Kyrgios can become a tennis great if he narrows his focus

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31870/10718164/how-andy-murray-has-fared-at-the-australian-open-in-melbourne) - How Andy Murray has fared at the Australian Open in Melbourne

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10725673/andy-murray-is-seeded-no-1-in-a-grand-slam-for-the-first-time)- Andy Murray is seeded No 1 in a Grand Slam for the first time

Teresa

12-01-2017, 19:50

lynne

12-01-2017, 21:29

Don't know if you good folks have read this, but I think it's a good read!:)

The Player's Tribune....... http://www.theplayerstribune.com/andy-murray-dogs-wwf-charity-tennis/

jagmad

12-01-2017, 21:49

Don't know if you good folks have read this, but I think it's a good read!:)

The Player's Tribune....... http://www.theplayerstribune.com/andy-murray-dogs-wwf-charity-tennis/

Lynne, that isn't a good read
It's an A-W-E-S-O-M-E read
Thanks for sharing.
:flowers:

Bardot

12-01-2017, 22:12

The Mail making it up as they go along. Not to say Andy isn't receiving a huge wedge for playing Queens.
http://i67.tinypic.com/jzjiwo.png

DHI Scotland (https://dhi-scotland.com/news/2017/january/andy-murray-invites-digital-health-inventions-from-scottish-teens/) - Andy Murray invites digital health inventions from Scottish teens

Alis

12-01-2017, 22:20

Lynne, that isn't a good read
It's an A-W-E-S-O-M-E read
Thanks for sharing.
:flowers:

What a nice lad - even if it was written by a ghost writer!

jagmad

13-01-2017, 00:05

What a nice lad - even if it was written by a ghost writer!

Woooooooooooooowwwwwwww Spooky.:cauldron::nailbiter::hide:

cazza99

13-01-2017, 10:33

Awwww :maggie: :rusty:

HoopGirl

13-01-2017, 11:23

Lynne, that isn't a good read
It's an A-W-E-S-O-M-E read
Thanks for sharing.
:flowers:

You are right - that's a brilliant article - thanks!

patlowe

13-01-2017, 13:58

Reminded me to order Kim's book!

anor

13-01-2017, 15:28

So according to the latest from the Daily Fail, Andy is losing £100k a day from his latest tie up with Queens. At that rate he'll be paying them to let him play by the time June comes along! ;)

-J-

13-01-2017, 15:33

So according to the latest from the Daily Fail, Andy is losing £100k a day from his latest tie up with Queens. At that rate he'll be paying them to let him play by the time June comes along! ;)
must be hell for the trolls on their don't know if hes an over paid primadonna or a nobody who cant command an appearance fee

cazza99

13-01-2017, 16:31

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38601762) - Michael Downey: Lawn Tennis Association chief executive resigns

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38605497) - Australian Open 2017: Andy Murray to play Ilya Marchenko in first round

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38607652) - Dan Evans reaches maiden final in Sydney after beating Andrey Kuznetsov

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38606939)- Johanna Konta beats Agnieszka Radwanska to win Sydney International

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38559919) - Australian Open 2017: BBC TV, radio and online coverage times

cazza99

13-01-2017, 17:36

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/17136/10727061/andy-murray-will-be-pleased-with-australian-open-draw-says-barry-cowan) - Andy Murray will be pleased with Australian Open draw, says Barry Cowan

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38610155)- Australian Open 2017: Andy Murray gunning for Melbourne glory
includes 2 videos, one of Kheredine and another of Andy being mobbed by fans after practicing.

GetSurrey (http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/tennis-court-charges-planned-andy-12441627) - Tennis court charges planned in Andy Murray's home borough

GetSurrey (http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/oxshotts-andy-murray-become-leatherheads-12184938) - Is Oxshott's Andy Murray about to become Leatherhead's Andy Murray?

A source, who wishes to remain anonymous, has revealed Murray, who is currently competing in the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London, has bought a house "in need of renovation" near Tyrrells Wood and Beaverbrook Golf Clubs.

tennis.com (http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/01/2017-australian-open-expert-picks-serena-federer-djokovic-nadal-kerber/63300/) - 2017 Australian Open Expert Picks: The Men

Sporting Life (http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/article/553/10726896/australian-open-murray-djokovic-battle-could-be-decided-by-early-rounds) - Fatigue could be key - Maclagan

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-13/can_andy_end_his_aussie_anguish.html) - Can Andy end his Aussie anguish?

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-13/murray_the_man_to_beat_rosewall.html) - Murray the man to beat: Rosewall

tennis magazine (http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/01/australian-open-mens-preview-nadal-federer-murray-djokovic-kyrgios/63312/) - Australian Open Men's Preview: Who will emerge from this loaded field?

Bardot

14-01-2017, 09:01

Andy Murray pre-tournament press conference (http://2017.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2017-01-14/andy_murray_140117.html)

Q. How does it feel to be the top seed at a slam?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't feel any different really to normal, to be honest.

Q. What are your feelings coming into this tournament? Was the preparation this winter as good as you wanted?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think it went pretty well. Doha went well. Played some good stuff, especially at the end of the event. Yeah, I mean, the off-season, I would have liked to have been a couple weeks longer. But, you know, I made sure I got enough rest. You know, I'll get hopefully a bit of time in February as well.

But, yeah, I did some good training over in Miami. There's a lot of good players over there for practice. It went well.

Q. You're playing in the middle of the afternoon on Monday when the forecast is pretty hot. Would you have preferred to have had a bit more practice time in hotter conditions?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah, but there's not really much else you can do about it. I mean, obviously in Doha, the conditions were pretty cool. You're playing most of your matches in the evening. Also, if you do well here, you'll often play at least three matches in the evening, sometimes four.

So, you know, it's good practice for that. But obviously the day matches here can get, you know, brutally hot. I think maybe the Hopman Cup is probably where you get the best conditions or most similar conditions to here to start the year.

But, yeah, I'll just have to deal with it, just like all of the other players will.

Q. Have you been impressed with Dan's effort this week?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I haven't seen loads of the matches. I saw the end of his match yesterday. I saw the first set and a little bit of his match with Thiem. But obviously he turned that match around kind of after I went out for dinner.

Yeah, I mean, it's obviously a great week for a lot of Brits actually. Obviously Jo winning, as well, was great. My brother's in the final. Yeah, it will be probably, you know, the best week that Britain's had at tour level forever probably.

Q. When you practice, how much does the fact that Djokovic is normally looming in the latter stages of not just the slams, but tournaments like Doha, how much does that feature in the way you go about things?
ANDY MURRAY: In terms of the way I practice or...

Q. Tactical awareness, preparing for big matches.
ANDY MURRAY: Well, in terms of tactical awareness, I sort of study, watch video, to learn about things that I could do better or things that have worked well. Obviously, don't do so much of that on the practice court. But there's certain patterns of play that you practice that hopefully will help against certain players. Then also there's things that are extremely important to your game and what makes your game effective, you know, not just against one player, but against the whole tour.

I feel like my movement and my speed around the court is a very important part of my game. That's something that I try to work on all of the time without thinking about, you know, other players.

But, of course, there's certain things you would practice, what would help you against the top guys, for sure.

Q. Not all the players have been able to beat you lately. David Goffin was one of them in Abu Dhabi, in the exhibition there. What do you think of him and do you think he could cause one or two upsets here?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think he's a really, really good player, obviously. He's very quick around the court. He's made improvements most years really, last few years. But as you get closer to the top, it becomes harder and harder to do that.

So, you know, it will be an interesting year for him. He works hard. I practice with him quite a lot, as well. He's a good guy. Down-to-earth. Very quiet and relaxed.

Yeah, I hope he does well. But he's, yeah, a very, very good player.

Q. What do you make of your opponent? You played him a few years ago.
ANDY MURRAY: I don't remember loads about that match. We played on Margaret Court. I don't remember too much about that match. I saw him playing a bit at the US Open. He had a good run there a few months ago. Also had a very tight match with Wawrinka there.

You know, he's not easy. He fights very hard. He's got a great attitude. Plays predominantly from the back of the court and moves well. He doesn't give you too many free points.

But, I mean, I've only played him once. I've never practiced with him. And that match, it was a long time ago. It would have been, I don't know, 2008, '09, something like that.

Q. Roger was asked earlier if he could remember what it was like when he gained the No. 1 ranking. He said he felt that other people treated him differently. Is that something that you've experienced? Have you had any feelings like that?
ANDY MURRAY: No, not really. I don't think so. I mean, yeah, I haven't really noticed it. It kind of happened for me right at the end of the year, so I haven't been kind of on the tour much as the No. 1 player. Just one week really in Doha. So I haven't noticed it yet.

I don't know if that will come over time, if I'm able to stay there or not. But, yeah, I mean, it's only been really a few weeks around the tour with that ranking. I haven't noticed much change.

Q. Looking back 12 months now, how much what was going on at home with Kim affecting you during the tournament here?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it was a tough tournament. Yeah, obviously the situation with, you know, Kim and the baby coming was tough. Then with what happened with Nigel kind of during the event made it really kind of awkward because there was times where I was thinking, like, you know, I want to go home. But then also my father-in-law was here and in hospital.

It was, like, I want to be at home for the birth, but then I'm not just going to sort of leave whilst my father-in-law is also in hospital.

Yeah, it was tough, and certainly not a position I would want to put myself in again, or my wife, or any of my family really.

Q. How close did you come to withdrawing before you lost?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, a few times. I mean, I don't know how to say how close. But, yeah, it was certainly something that was talked about a lot, especially the second week of the event.

Q. Just get your reaction to Michael Downey resigning. Were you surprised to hear the news?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I wasn't really surprised. I think everyone kind of thought that's always what was going to happen there. It's disappointing really, because it's just another change for British tennis. Someone new will come in with a different direction for another three, four years, then it will change again.

I think for a system that's -- maybe everyone would say that's not really worked for quite a long time, for change to happen, you need someone or a team in there that's going to be in it for the long haul and not just a few years.

So I really hope the next appointment is something long-term. You can't expect results, obviously, immediately. I don't think there should be loads of pressure on that person to get stuff done straightaway. But, yeah, I'd like to see a long-term appointment so that there's actually, you know, a chance for change to happen, but then stick. I think if you just do three years, then another three years, just keep switching all the time, it's not good for anyone.

Q. In that you think it wasn't going to be for the long haul?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, in terms of him moving back to Canada. I don't think many people expected it to go longer than the term that he was signed up for.

But, yeah, I mean, I just hope that we get a long-term replacement. Don't want it to be just a few years.

Q. Roger and Novak used to say that once you've reached the No. 1, you have to work double as hard to stay there. Do you see it like this?
ANDY MURRAY: I hope not (laughter). I hope not.

Well, yeah, I mean, I do think it is a mindset thing, because I think it could be quite easy that once you get to No. 1 that you think, Well, actually, I just need to keep doing what I doing.

The reality is, in sport, that things obviously keep moving on, the game will get better, I'll obviously get older, the young guys will continue to improve, and also Novak and Roger and Stan and Rafa and all the guys at the top are still going to be wanting to get there. So that's why having someone like Ivan on my team who has been in that position before and knows what that's like has been important. I need to continue to improve. I for sure need to keep working hard.

I don't think necessarily working harder than I have in the past, but just having the mindset I need to keep getting better and try to improve my game. Any weaknesses that are in my game, to try to get rid of them.

So, yeah, that's how I feel about it.

Q. Your record here is really good. You haven't actually won the thing. Do you feel like you're in a really good position right now to go one step further?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, look, I obviously feel pretty confident after the way that last season finished. I do love it here. I love the conditions. I have played really well here over the years, and just haven't managed to obviously get over the final hurdle.

But, yeah, I think I'm in a decent position, for sure, to do it. I think I have a chance to win here. Obviously nothing's guaranteed. But, yeah, why not? I'm playing well. Practice has been good. I feel healthy. I'll give it a good shot.

Q. Any other players called you Sir yet, Andy?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, yeah, but not genuinely, I don't think (smiling).

Q. The host broadcaster is going to refer to you as Sir Andy. How does that make you feel?
ANDY MURRAY: I'm more than happy just being Andy. That's enough for me. Yeah, if they call me Andy, that's cool, I'd be happy with that (smiling).

Bardot

14-01-2017, 10:28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wvhM5F7zFE

Andy has been given the International Tennis Writer's Ambassador award for the third time having won it last year and in 2012.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2HtiJIUcAAwf6o.jpg

patlowe

14-01-2017, 13:08

Q. The host broadcaster is going to refer to you as Sir Andy. How does that make you feel?
ANDY MURRAY: I'm more than happy just being Andy. That's enough for me. Yeah, if they call me Andy, that's cool, I'd be happy with that (smiling).

Me too Andy!

piscesperson

14-01-2017, 20:26

Australian Open: Andy Murray spurred on by world number one status
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38621679

cazza99

15-01-2017, 17:06

The Roar (http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/01/15/predictions-2017-australian-open-mens-singles-draw/) - Predictions for the 2017 Australian Open men’s singles draw
I like these - Nole to go out in first round ;)

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38615193) - Australian Open 2017: Andy Murray & Johanna Konta lead British challenge

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38627736) - Australian Open: Andy Murray among those in action on day one in Melbourne

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38628097)- Australian Open: Johanna Konta plays down expectations despite Sydney win

Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-sir-andy-murray-to-play-first-knight-match/news-story/8dbfba1e3b3e206b47509044e0a6c417) -Australian Open: Sir Andy Murray to play first knight match

Sir Andy Murray plays the first knight match of the Australian Open today. He’s expected to arrive* at Melbourne Park by horse and carriage.

Queen Elizabeth is whispered to be part of his courtside entour*age. His cap is to be replaced by a royal crown. His tracksuit is to be switched for kingly robes. There will be a formal new request from the umpire when he walks onto Rod Laver Arena to the background music of bagpipes and Mull of Kintyre. Arise!

Failing all this, Sir Murray will opera*te with the same fantastic*ally grizzled demeanour that has taken him to the world No 1 ranking and a knighthood that embarrasses the hell out of him while simultaneously making him chuffed to bits.

Set to become the first member of the Queen’s honours list to be warned for an audible obscenity at some stage in the next fortnight, Sir Murray will begin his quest for a first Australian Open title against Ukrainian world No 95 Illya Marchenko.

cazza99

15-01-2017, 17:15

Steve G Tennis (http://www.stevegtennis.com/2017/01/andy-murray-vs-ilya-marchenko-australian-open-2017-preview/) - Andy Murray vs Ilya Marchenko Australian Open 2017 Preview

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.com/tennis/murray-thinks-experience-of-coach-lendl-could-prove-crucial-to-future-success_sto6013250/story.shtml) - Murray thinks experience of coach Lendl could prove crucial to future success

Herald (http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/15024439.It__39_s_Melbourne_minus_the_mayhem_as_An dy_Murray_forgets_last_year__39_s_family_dramas_ah ead_of_Australian_Open/) - It's Melbourne minus the mayhem as Andy Murray forgets last year's family dramas ahead of Australian Open

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4120840/Child-s-play-world-No-1-Andy-Murray-Australia-birth-pains-year-truly-daddy-cool.html) -Child's play for world No 1 Andy Murray in Australia as birth pains of last year are truly over for daddy cool

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-australian-open-2017-preview) - Different Experiences Abound For Murray In Melbourne

Eurosport (http://video.eurosport.com/tennis/australian-open/2017/andy-murray-i-m-more-focused-for-australian-open-than-last-year_vid951303/video.shtml) - VIDEO - Andy Murray: I'm more focused for Australian Open than last year

cazza99

15-01-2017, 17:27

Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-2017-world-no1-andy-murray-remembers-the-unfair-criticism-of-his-formative-days-20170114-gtrfkm.html) - Australian Open 2017: World No.1 Andy Murray remembers the 'unfair criticism' of his former days

Gulf News (http://gulfnews.com/sport/our-writers/boris-becker-column-onus-on-new-generation-players-to-challenge-big-two-1.1962188) - Boris Becker column: Onus on new generation players to challenge Big Two

Which brings me to top seed Murray. He would be the first to say that he is not the most naturally gifted athlete. It’s thanks to hard work and dedication that he has reached the pinnacle of the sport. He has great temperament and has worked incredibly hard on his fitness. He really ended the last year on a high with the Olympics gold and would want to continue in the same vein. His groundstrokes look good and he has been in wonderful form for quite some time now.

The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/dan-evans-to-team-up-with-nick-kyrgios-again-in-australian-open-doubles-20170114-gtrn4w.html) - Dan Evans to team up with Nick Kyrgios again in Australian Open doubles

Josephine

15-01-2017, 17:49

Is that Boris Becker article written by Pseudofed's brother Pseudobo?

...... "I once again resume my role as an expert in the media after being on the road as Djokovic’s coach.

It was an unbelievable three years and I come back to Melbourne as defending champion in many ways."

As for Andy not being a natural athlete and ending the year winning Olympic Gold! Think whoever wrote this for him was drunk!

patlowe

15-01-2017, 17:53

'....a knighthood that embarrasses the hell out of him while simultaneously making him chuffed to bits.' From 'Australian' above.

I think that expresses it very nicely...

Rosalind

15-01-2017, 22:06

Is it just me or is Andy looking like a Roman god in his pre-tournament press conf :love:

Bardot

16-01-2017, 09:11

Transcript. (http://2017.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2017-01-16/andy_murray_160117.html)

Q. Give us your verdict on that match.
ANDY MURRAY: I don't think it was the best match, to be honest. You know, the conditions there were pretty different to what we've been practicing. Last week's been pretty cool. A lot of days, it's been overcast. The temperature of the court is much cooler. When it's like that, the ball is bouncing a bit lower, a bit easier to control the ball. I was a bit tentative because of that.

And, yeah, didn't serve that well either. So you end up having to work really hard on a lot of your service games when it's like that.

It just was tough.

Q. You seemed to be criticizing yourself for not moving as well as you wanted to. Do you feel you could have covered the court better?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I didn't move that well. That's how it felt anyway. But sometimes that can also be down to the conditions, as well. The ball's flying through the air a little bit quicker, so the ball is coming onto you faster than what it was the last few days. Maybe wasn't reacting as quickly as I would have liked.

But, yeah, maybe also nerves there first round as well. It's maybe normal to feel a little bit slow on your feet or a bit heavy-legged in the first round.

Yeah, didn't move as well as I would have liked.

Q. May I ask what was wrong with the bottle in the first set? You didn't look quite sure whether you should drink from it or not.
ANDY MURRAY: It's this bottle here. I can see it now actually, but I didn't know how big it was, if it was like one liter or 600 mills. I know how much I have to drink when it's a certain temperature. I couldn't find how big it was, so I didn't know how much I was having to drink.

I still didn't see it on the court, but I can actually see it now. It's one liter (smiling).

Q. Is that something you pay attention to only in Australia because of the conditions or throughout the season it's the same?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, pay probably more attention to it in hotter conditions, not just here. I think it can be easy on days like today or tomorrow to get caught out, you know, with the conditions. So try to be really professional with my hydration stuff beforehand and during just to make sure that, you know, you don't get dehydrated or potentially have problems with cramps.

It can be easy when maybe you come from cooler conditions to playing in conditions like we did today. So try to make sure I'm on that so there's no mistakes there.

Q. Is being No. 1 all good or is there any downside to it so far?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I mean, it's been great. I think because it's taken me so long to get there, obviously I want to try to stay there, but also I feel like I'm mature enough now to handle it. Maybe, you know, if it happens when you're very young, you might feel extra pressures, the responsibilities might feel a bit much. But I think because I'm much older and more mature, it's been good.

Q. Has it fully sunk in at this point for you 100%?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I think so. I mean, really the break that I had after the Tour Finals last year, I really enjoyed that. Yeah, I mean, it sunk in then.

I spent a lot of time at home with friends and family, you know, catching up with the people that have obviously been friends with me for a long time. You know, when you chat to them about it, that's kind of when it starts to sink in.

But, yeah, I mean, now it doesn't feel too much different. But I definitely really, really enjoyed my time off at the end of last year because it took a lot out of me, but it was worth it.

Q. Your rise over the years has been incredible. So many different accomplishments both on court and off. You referred to being pushed by your opponents. On court today you talked about that. Could you talk about how you pulled off this incredible growth, this evolution in yourself.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, there's been a few periods in my career that are very important. I think one was when I lost the Wimbledon final against Roger, I spoke a lot of the time about how I was really, really upset after that match, was pretty down for a couple of days afterwards.

I spoke and I said that I kind of accepted that I may never win a Grand Slam, but that I was doing everything that I could, you know, to give myself the best chance to do that. And I was okay with that.

Once I sort of got that into my head, that I was working as hard as I could and doing the best that I could, I was fine with that.

I think learning from the people around me and the losses that I've had, as well, that's been the most important thing. I've had a lot of hard losses. It's not been easy losing in your first four slam finals. It's tough. I had a lot of questions asked, you know, of my mental state in big matches and stuff.

I just kept working, kept trying to find ways to get better. I feel like I've had a really good team around me for long periods of my career. I've had many different coaches, as well. Probably learnt bits and pieces from all of them, you know, that have helped me, too.

So it's been hard, but I've enjoyed it. Just tried to keep learning all the time.

Q. Has your role in Davis Cup, being the leader of British tennis, has that helped you personally in your growth?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I don't feel like a leader of British tennis really. Also in Davis Cup, I don't know, I don't really feel that way. I feel like, you know, part of a team that we're all working towards the same goal. I try to help the British players as much as I can. I genuinely care about British tennis.

But, yeah, I don't feel like a leader of British tennis and I don't feel like a leader of our Davis Cup team. I think Leon has done a great job of that. Yeah, all of the players have stepped up when they needed to.

Q. It is Rublev next. Kind of difficult to prepare for your next match with someone that hasn't been around very long?
ANDY MURRAY: I know a little bit about him. I never hit with him or played against him, but I've seen him play before and he goes for it. He doesn't hold back. You know, he hits a big ball.

Yeah, I saw him play a couple of years ago at the US Open against Youzhny. I watched a bit of his match there. I thought he was very good. Clean ball-striker. Like I said, goes for it.

Obviously when you get out there, things look a little bit different than they might on the TV or on the video. But try to watch a bit the next couple of days and hopefully go in with a good strategy. I'll need to work some things out myself when I'm out there.

Q. When you were a teenager coming through, you beat Federer in Cincinnati, those kind of matches when you're a teenager...
ANDY MURRAY: I played Rafa here as well, I think, when I was 19. He was only one year older than me at the time, but he was right up at the top of the game. I played a five-set match with him on the center court. That was also a big match for me actually, because it was one of the first times I played the top players in one of the big events, the slams. You know, did pretty good. Played well. Gave me a lot of confidence, that match.

Yeah, I remember those matches. Nalbandian at Wimbledon, as well. I played a few of them when I was a teenager.

Q. Nishikori said he wasn't going to play Davis Cup first round even if it's in Japan. I think Roger and Stan are not playing. Do you think it's the last proof that the format needs to change or are you all used to this going on and on and on?
ANDY MURRAY: I think tennis needs a great team competition. Davis Cup has been there. I think almost everyone I know, like, in the media, all of the tennis players, everyone seems to be in agreement that the format needs to change.

I sat in a room with all of the guys on the player council, and nobody was for the neutral venue. There were many things discussed that could change Davis Cup, we thought for the better. A lot of players agreed upon. None of that's been done yet.

The only thing that I think has been agreed is a neutral final, which I don't know many people that think that's a good idea.

So, yeah, I do think it needs to change. If the top players aren't playing, the event loses value. So, yeah, we'll see what happens in the next 18 months or so, see if there's anything we can do to make it better.

Q. You just said that everyone agreed on the fact that the neutral final was not a good idea. There was something where everybody agreed to do, you all said, We should do this? What is that?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I think, like, making change really.

Q. Which one?
ANDY MURRAY: There's not one thing in particular. There was talk of making it over Saturday and Sunday rather than having Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Making the matches best-of-three sets.

Q. I know there are many different issues. There is one where everybody agreed, in particular, one change?
ANDY MURRAY: Are you asking me?

Q. Yes.
ANDY MURRAY: What all of the players agreed upon?

Q. Yes, if there was one particular detail which everybody thought it was good to do, some good change.
ANDY MURRAY: There was many things discussed, but I don't know if there was one thing that every single person in the room agreed upon, because we didn't get that far. We spoke about a lot of things for about 45 minutes, an hour, many potential changes. But I don't know if there was one thing that we all agreed upon. We chatted about a lot of different changes.

The one thing that we all agreed upon was that the neutral venue is not right, and that's what happened.

Q. In terms of your knighthood, it's obviously an incredible honor. Has that had any distraction to your leadup to this event? How have your peers treated you? Any difference in the way they've interacted with you at all?
ANDY MURRAY: No. Everyone around tennis, everyone that I know, yeah, has been exactly the same. I don't feel like it's been a distraction. It's something I've had to speak about, obviously quite a lot. I've been asked about it in interviews or on the court after matches and stuff. But, yeah, I haven't found it distracting really.

I mean, I found out about it four or five weeks ago. Maybe if it happened a day or so, two days before the tournament... But I've had enough time to get my head around it.

Q. How mixed are your emotions when you think about the Australian Open? You've done very well, but never won it.
ANDY MURRAY: Honestly, they're totally positive. I have had a lot of tough losses here, for sure. But I love it here. I love playing here. I played some of my best tennis on hard courts here. Played, you know, some great matches as well. But, yeah, just haven't managed to win the final.

But, you know, I keep coming back to try. Yeah, I'll keep doing that until I'm done. But I still feel like I got a few years left to try and do it. Yeah, hopefully it will be this year.

piscesperson

16-01-2017, 12:23

Andy Murray column on Grand Slam nerves, being a Sir and Christmas as a father
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38556094

piscesperson

16-01-2017, 12:53

A real Lady! Chic Kim Murray shows off her lithe legs in shorts as husband Andy returns to the tennis court for first time since being knighted
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4124026/A-real-Lady-Chic-Kim-Murray-shows-lithe-legs-shorts-husband-Andy-returns-tennis-court-time-knighted.html#ixzz4VvdfP0h9

cazza99

16-01-2017, 15:25

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38633162) - Australian Open 2017: Andy Murray and Dan Evans reach second round
including video BBC interview with Andy

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31870/10731085/andy-murray-faces-russian-teenager-andrey-rublev-in-second-round-of-australian-open) - Andy Murray faces Russian teenager Andrey Rublev in second round of Australian Open

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31870/10730829/andy-murray-makes-winning-start-at-australian-open) - Andy Murray makes winning start at Australian Open

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/australian-open/2017/in-depth-what-is-behind-murray-s-on-court-outbursts_sto6015022/story.shtml) - In-Depth: What was up with Andy Murray?
includes videos of Eurosport interview with Andy, Eurosport post match analysis, and Kim telling physio to cover up player box cam.

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18486729/andy-murray-australian-open-admits-feared-never-win-grand-slam) - Andy Murray: I feared I'd never win a Grand Slam

ESPN (http://www.espn.in/espn/story/_/id/18485971/hot-cold-andy-murray-finds-way-win-australian-open-first-round-match) - 'You're a knight, Andy!': Murray advances after words of advice

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-4123748/Sir-Andy-Murray-sees-Illya-Marchenko-reach-Australian-Open-second-round.html)- Sir Andy Murray pleased to come through tough Australian Open first-round match

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/16/andy-murray-makes-hard-work-of-illya-marchenko-in-australian-open-first-round) - Andy Murray and Roger Federer made to work in Australian Open first round

Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/andy-murray-too-good-for-illya-marchenko-in-australian-open-firstround-match/news-story/730553a90065a17dab29d66a3b20ca14) - Andy Murray too good for Illya Marchenko in Australian Open first-round match

The Nationalist (http://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/2017/01/16/australian-open-andy-murrays-incredulous-reaction-to-his-drink-shows-not-even-knights-get-everything-they-want/) - Australian Open: Andy Murray’s incredulous reaction to his drink shows not even knights get everything they want

Bardot

16-01-2017, 18:08

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5bPvYW4cWM

Bardot

16-01-2017, 18:08

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHroSeaJ7MM

Bardot

18-01-2017, 14:07

Transcript. (http://2017.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2017-01-18/andy_murray_180117.html)

Andy Murray def Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 6-2

Q. Can you confirm what you said immediately after the match about your ankle injury is not as bad as it first looks.
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I don't know how bad it is. Just normally if it's something like severe, a serious ankle injury, you can't put weight on your foot. Ankles, you normally feel a bit worse 20 or 30 minutes after you stop moving around on them.

It just a little bit stiff just now. It's okay. I don't think I've done too much damage.

Q. Have you done any treatment on it since the match?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. Well, just icing. There's not a whole lot you can do apart from that just now. See in the morning how it feels when I wake up. But hopefully it will be all right.

Q. Was it swollen?
ANDY MURRAY: No, it's not too bad. It's all right. It's not too bad. Just a bit sore. I mean, I'll see how it feels when I get up in the morning. It can sometimes swell overnight. Just have to wait and see in the morning.

Q. Must have been a bit worrying when it happened.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, well, it was. Heard a few sort of little crackles, and it was sore. It was throbbing kind of the rest of the match. I was moving fine on it, though. It was just sore. So you're thinking about it because, you know, you have a little bit of pain when you're moving around. Also when you're moving into certain positions again on the court, you don't want to, you know, do the same movement again.

But, yeah, I was moving fine towards the end of the match.

Q. You've always worn those ankle supports. Would they have been crucial?
ANDY MURRAY: I think so. I haven't seen it. We were trying to find the replay of it just now just to see exactly what happened. They didn't show it on the big screen after the match. We couldn't find it online. But we're getting it from the tournament just now to see exactly what happened.

But, yeah, the ankle supports do help in those situations. Thankfully, I mean, I haven't done that too often since I've been wearing them. But they have helped me a couple of times.

Q. A tradeoff, because some people think they might impair your mobility. I guess they save you in that situation.
ANDY MURRAY: Impair my mobility?

Q. They're a little bit extra weight to carry, flexibility.
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, pretty much every player plays with ankle taping or the ankle supports. I personally find that having the ankle support gives you more mobility than the taping. It's just you can see mine. Everyone has their taping normally under the socks. I feel like the ankle supports give me a little bit more mobility than the taping. But that's just my preference, yeah. Everyone, yeah, has their own things that they like and dislike.

Q. Can you look ahead to Sam Querrey. You haven't played in a couple years, but you have a pretty good record against him.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, haven't played for quite a while. He's obviously a dangerous player. Big serve. Goes for it. Obviously had a big win a couple slams ago against Novak in the third round.

I'm aware of that, and I'll be ready.

Q. Do you feel it was pretty clinical tonight, apart from the fall?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I did pretty good tonight. It was better than the first match. I was hitting the ball a bit cleaner. I was hitting through the court more. More winners. I was able to get myself up to net more. I served way better, too. That helps you and allows you to dictate more points.

Second serve was harder than the other night, than the other day. Yeah, most things were better tonight. But still think I can improve.

Q. Did you see any of Dan's match?
ANDY MURRAY: I saw quite a lot of it. When we came in from practice it was 6-3. When I went on the court, he had just broken in the fourth. Yeah, he did great. I mean, he was moving really well, fighting really hard. He had to do a lot of defending out there from the bits that I saw. But he was moving well. Yeah, putting a lot of effort in out there.

It's obviously a great win. Cilic, once he sort of gets through a few rounds, tends to play better and better. After getting through the first round in the first one with Janowicz, getting the first one today, it was a tough one for Dan to come back.

It was a great win for him. Biggest of his career, I'd imagine.

Q. Every Grand Slam we talk about British players doing well. Is there a wider cause for that other than just hard work and good players?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I don't know. Dan's obviously someone that for a long time has been talked about as having a lot of potential. Exactly why it's happening for him now, he'd be the best person to ask. But I know he has a good team around him now. All of the times I've spent around him at Davis Cup and practice sessions, he has practiced extremely well. He works hard in practice. He's naturally a very good athlete, as well.

People mature at different ages, find what's important for them at different ages, too. I think now he's, you know, pretty focused on his tennis. With the right people around him, he's doing really well.

Really happy for him 'cause he's a nice, nice guy. He's talented. He does work hard. He competes well. Once you get him on the match court, he competes really hard. He deserves it.

Q. What kind of influence did Darren Cahill have during your career?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I didn't spend loads of time with Darren. I spent time with him, it was just before I started working with Ivan. I was still working with Dani Vallverdu at the time. He was helping us out then for a few months. I chatted to him a bit about potential coaches. Yeah, Ivan was one of the names that he came up with. I have him to thank a bit for that working out the first time.

I spent a lot of time with him over the years. He's obviously very, very experienced. Worked with a number of different players.

Q. What did you make of Rublev? What do you think are his strengths?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, he's a very clean ball-striker. He goes for it, especially on the forehand side. I don't think he served well tonight. I think he can serve better than that. I think he served a pretty low percentage of first serves. That didn't help him.

But, yeah, I think in comparison with some of the guys that are his age, physically he's going to get stronger. I still think he's got some developing to do there. When he does, I think he'll do really well because he hits a big ball. He's a clean ball-striker. Yeah, just with a bit more experience, maybe a little bit more flair or finesse, using a little bit more changing of pace, would help him. But he's good.

Q. Will you look at Querrey's match against Djokovic at all in your preparation?
ANDY MURRAY: No. I'll watch matches on hard courts, yeah. If I'm playing a guy on grass, I'll try to watch matches of them playing on a grass court because it changes from surface to surface. So I wouldn't watch that.

Q. Do you think you've been challenged enough in these early two rounds to take him on?
ANDY MURRAY: The first round was pretty challenging. I had some tough moments in that one. I was down a break in the first two sets. It was a pretty long one in tough conditions.

I played some pretty tough matches in Doha 10 days or so ago. I think I'll be ready in a couple days.

Josephine

18-01-2017, 19:24

Andy's latest column for BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38661264

Bardot

19-01-2017, 10:58

Facebook video (https://www.facebook.com/AustralianOpen/videos/10154936484343615/) of Andy practising this morning. He starts off gingerly and is flexing his ankle which is bound to be stiff but by the end he looks very comfortable although the majority of the practice is hitting down the middle.

cazza99

19-01-2017, 12:43

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38661271) - Australian Open 2017: Andy Murray through after Dan Evans stuns Marin Cilic

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/18/andy-murray-australian-open-andrey-rublev-tennis-report) - Andy Murray shrugs off stiff ankle to beat Andrey Rublev at Australian Open

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10733226/andy-murray-defeated-andrey-rublev-in-the-australian-open-second-round) - Andy Murray defeated Andrey Rublev in the Australian Open second round

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10733505/andy-murray-versus-sam-querrey-australian-open-round-three) - Who is Sam Querrey? Andy Murray's third round opponent

BBC (http://baseline.tennis.com/article/63460/knights-shine-andy-murray-melbourne) - Knights shine for Sir Andy Murray in Melbourne

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/australian-open-men/2017/worry-for-andy-murray-as-he-suffers-injury-scare-in-win-over-andrey-rublev_sto6019305/story.shtml) - Worry for Andy Murray as he suffers injury scare in win over Andrey Rublev

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4131760/Andy-Murray-beats-Andrey-Rublev-Australian-Open-2017.html) - Andy Murray overcomes nasty fall to beat Russian teenager Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open and set up third round showdown against Sam Querrey

cazza99

19-01-2017, 12:50

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-18/five_things_we_learned_on_day_3.html) - Five things we learned on Day 3

Federer is still not match-tough

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/match_reports/2017-01-18/murray_marches_on.html) - Murray marches on

Bardot

20-01-2017, 10:10

Transcript. (http://2017.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2017-01-20/andy_murray_200117.html)

Q. Was that as good as you could have expected, wanted?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I thought I did pretty good today. The start of the match was hard. Sam came out serving big. He was really going for his shots. Yeah, the end of that first set was important. He had a breakpoint at 4-3. When I saved that and broke the next game, momentum was with me. Started to serve a bit better, put a lot more returns back in play after that. Played some good stuff.

Q. 4-All in the first, amazing game. Must have had an effect on him.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I can't really remember. I can't remember exactly what happened in the game. I know there were a few juice points. It was a tight game. He had a couple of game points. Did I finish it with a lob? But he was coming forward a lot, you know, forcing the play quite a bit. Made some good defensive shots in that game.

It was tough to play from that end of the court. The wind was blowing right into your face there. You were having to play a bit further behind the baseline. It was a lot easier from the other side of the court to dictate the points. It was a good game to get.

Q. How is the ankle feeling now?
ANDY MURRAY: It feels really good, yeah. It was sore yesterday and a little bit stiff this morning. But it feels good. After the first few games, where I was maybe slightly hesitant, I moved really well towards the end of the first set, and second and third set. So that was really good.

Q. Do you feel any less pressure now that the defending champion is out or do you not take much notice of that?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, for me, it doesn't change anything unless I was to potentially reach the final, because I can't play Novak in the fourth round or in the third round. Don't worry about that really.

Obviously, if you're to get to the final, then it has an effect. A lot of the times when I've been in the final here, I've played against him. Had some tough ones.

I wasn't scheduled to play Novak today, so my job's to concentrate on Sam and to go into that match with a clear head and a good game plan and try to play well. I did that.

Q. What was your reaction when you saw the result? Amazement? Surprise?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, obviously surprised. Novak's record here speaks for itself. He's had incredible success here over the years. He obviously loves the conditions.

I don't know, maybe after the first set, it was a pretty long, tough first set, maybe you expect Istomin's level to drop a bit.

But I didn't see any of the match really. I saw like three, four points. I don't know exactly what happened. But, yeah, obviously surprised.

Q. He's been struggling since winning the French. Can you understand as a player at the top struggling after you've been at the top so long, playing so well?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, struggling by the highest standards. But compared with, like, most players, it's not been that bad really. Obviously I think for him the early loss at Wimbledon and here would be disappointing. He'd want to play his best in the majors.

But he still won the Masters Series in Canada. He was in the final at the US Open. He was in the finals of the Tour Finals. He beat four or five top-10 players in the Tour Finals. He won the tournament in Doha last week.

He has played some really good stuff over the last six or seven months, too. It's just not been, you know, as consistent as what it was the three years before. But how anyone is expected to keep up that level for their whole career, it's just unreasonable to expect that of anyone.

There's been, yeah, a couple of surprising results, for sure. But on the whole, it's not been that bad.

Q. Did you have any say of the scheduling of your match on Hisense? What do you make of playing on that court?
ANDY MURRAY: I got asked if I wanted to play first on on Laver or later in the day on Hisense. It's a bit strange to play the last match, the second night match, then be scheduled to play first the next round. It kind of throws off your body clock a little bit. So I asked to play later in the day.

But it's a great court to play on. Great crowd. The stadium was full before we finished our warmup on there today. Like 10:45 it was pretty much packed. Good, nice atmosphere.

Q. Zverev is having a resurgence recently.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, he played well end of last year. Obviously has had a good run here. His match against Isner was really tight. I saw a little bit of that one the other day.

But, yeah, he's doing well. He plays a very different game style to most of the guys now. He's serve-volleying, coming forward as much as possible, not with the most powerful game. He doesn't serve, like, 220 kilometers an hour. He serves 185s, 190s, but places it well.

People say you can't play that way any more and be successful, but he's done that the last few months.

He's been unlucky with injuries as well. He's had a number of injuries. I knew him pretty well. Grew up in juniors together. We're the same age. I know him fairly well.

Q. You've always been very professional with your recovery, everything associated with that. Do you do anything specific for sleep, temperature, pillow on tour?
ANDY MURRAY: I always sleep with the air-conditioning on. I know some people hate that. They say it makes them sick, gives them a sore throat. But I always sleep with the air-conditioning on, then get under the covers. I sleep better that way.

But, yeah, sometimes I wear compression leggings if I've had a long match. I mean, ice bath after every match, and on the off days. But I don't do anything different with my sleep. I just normally, during these events, try to sleep as much as possible. I try and have a nap during the day on the off days because that also helps your recovery.

Q. Anything you're particularly happy with the first week that you'll target the second week?
ANDY MURRAY: I think I played a little bit better each match. There's not been one thing I've been delighted with. I thought I moved much better today than I did in the first two matches, which is really positive for me. Each match I think I've improved a little bit. That's a good sign. Hopefully I keep getting better.

Q. Zverev was talking about how much his brother has helped him get better in recent years. You have similarities in the way his mum was also involved in his career. Talk about how family has helped you so much.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, I think obviously it helps. I think for him, in terms of practice, he's got a great person to train with all of the time. That's going to help you. Yeah, they have both of their parents here coaching them. That's always been the case. It's nice. It's nice to see. You also have Istomin as well coached by his mum, too.

Both of them have been extremely successful. There will always be people who say they should get a different coach or whatever, but why? They both have done great with their parents around.

Again, I've known the family since 12, 13 years old. I used to remember Alex, he was always there on the side of the court. He was tiny back then, but he was always there at the side of the court hitting. Both the parents were there. It's good to see.

Q. On a different topic, a little while ago there was an incredible picture of you with Prince William during a ceremony relating to your knighthood. You had a wonderful expression of satisfaction or joy or appreciation. What was going through your head at that time? Were you just thinking of your life? What were some of your thoughts?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I can't remember exactly what I was thinking. I mean, most of the people that were in the queue to go in there were sort of asking each other, What do you say? What are you supposed to say? You don't have long. You have sort of 20, 30 seconds. Yeah, so that's what everyone was kind of asking each other before we went in to do it.

I had met Prince William a few times before, which helped. He likes his tennis. He's been along to watch a few times at Wimbledon. But, yeah, I can't really remember exactly what I was thinking. Just obviously you don't sort of want to mess up in those moments because obviously a lot of people are watching.

But it went all right.

piscesperson

20-01-2017, 12:45

Andy Murray column on Novak Djokovic, beating Querrey and meeting Zverev
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38689896

Bardot

20-01-2017, 14:01

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu7Tjf7WJ2Q

Bardot

20-01-2017, 14:02

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

cazza99

20-01-2017, 14:41

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38687231) - Australian Open 2017: Dan Evans joins Andy Murray in fourth round

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31870/10735101/andy-murray-back-to-his-best-as-he-eased-past-sam-querrey-at-the-australian-open) - Andy Murray beats Sam Querrey at the Australian Open

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/18516483/australian-open-andy-murray-says-novak-djokovic-exit-makes-no-difference-preparation) - Murray: Djokovic exit will not affect my Australian Open preparation

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4139380/Kim-Murray-watches-Andy-Murray-Australian-Open.html) - Kim Murray ditches her usual glossy style for a messy up-do as she cheers on husband Andy at the Australian Open alongside her mother-in-law Judy

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-querrey-zverev-jaziri-australian-open-2017-friday) - Murray Sails Into Second Week In Melbourne

Australian Open (https://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/match_reports/2017-01-20/murray_in_a_hurry.html) - Murray in a hurry

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/20/andy-murray-wins-tough-australian-open-match-against-sam-querry) - Andy Murray wins tough Australian Open match against Sam Querrey

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/australian-open-men/2016/andy-murray-powers-past-sam-querrey-into-fourth-round_sto6022814/story.shtml) - Andy Murray powers past Sam Querrey into fourth round

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/39926/kyle-edmund-says-it-is-obviously-great-that-andy-murray-and-dan-evans-are-doing-well-in-melbourne/) - Kyle Edmund says it is 'obviously great' that Andy Murray and Dan Evans are doing well in Melbourne

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-19/five_things_we_learned_on_day_4.html) - Five things we learned on Day 4

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-20/five_things_we_learned_on_day_5.html) - Five things we learned on Day 5

piscesperson

21-01-2017, 20:04

Murray ready for serve-volley test (video)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/38704873

cazza99

21-01-2017, 22:03

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38693517) - Dan Evans: Britain's latest tennis star snubbed by Kevin Pietersen

Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/21/dan-evans-australian-open-last-16) - Dan Evans the entertaining maverick has matured at Australian Open

CNN (http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/21/tennis/australian-open-tennis-dan-evans-shirts/) - Australian Open 2017: No shirt sponsor but big wins for Dan Evans

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31870/10737359/dan-evans-talks-exclusively-ahead-of-his-australian-open-clash-with-jo-wilfried-tsonga) - Dan Evans talks exclusively ahead of his Australian Open clash with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/01/20/dan-evanss-uncle-have-seen-sacrifices-parents-have-made-reward/) - As Dan Evans's uncle, I have seen the sacrifices he and his parents have made - and this is their reward

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/dan-evans-interview-mens-tennis-atp-australia-open-a7521931.html) - After turning his career around, Dan Evans insists he's here to stay - no matter what it takes

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4141942/Dan-Evans-told-s-OK-mum-biggest-win.html) - Dan Evans gets the most important approval of them all as his mum tells the British No 2 he has 'done OK' following Australian Open heroics

cazza99

21-01-2017, 22:13

Sun (https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/tennis/2671611/andy-murray-reveals-his-mum-loves-him-more-than-brother-jamie/) - Andy Murray reveals he reckons his mum loves him more than brother Jamie in hilarious interview on Australian TV

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4142390/Murray-high-spirits-trains-ahead-16-clash.html) - Andy Murray in high spirits as he trains ahead of Australian Open last-16 clash against Mischa Zverev

Gloucestershire Live (http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/judy-murray-heads-to-cheltenham-after-supporting-andy-at-the-australian-open/story-30074510-detail/story.html) - Judy Murray heads to Cheltenham after cheering Andy on at the Australian Open

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10736729/an-in-depth-look-at-johanna-kontas-rise-into-the-worlds-top-10)- An in-depth look at Johanna Konta's rise into the world's top 10

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38704836) - Australian Open: Johanna Konta praises support from her family and friends

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38702928) - Australian Open 2017: Johanna Konta beats Caroline Wozniacki to reach last 16

cazza99

21-01-2017, 22:35

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-22/murray_set_to_emerge_from_the_shadows.html) - Murray set to emerge from the shadows

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-21/five_things_we_learned_on_day_6.html) - Five things we learned on Day 6

Bardot

22-01-2017, 08:10

Transcript. (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2017-01-22/andy_murray_220117.html)

Q. You normally don't see a guy coming in 118 times. How did that affect you? How strange is it to face?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, I don't think it's so much someone necessarily coming in. It's the shots he was coming up with when he did come forward. I mean, he came up with some great pickups, you know, reflex volleys especially at the end of the match when it was tight. That was tough because I was hitting some good shots, chasing some good balls down.

Just wasn't meant to be. He served very well when he needed to, especially when he was behind in games. Yeah, he deserved to win because, you know, he played great when he was down, and also in the important moments.

I was kind of behind in the last couple of sets the whole way. But the first two sets, I had chances. I was up a break I think in both of them pretty early. Couldn't convert my opportunities.

Q. Usually you play pretty well against the serve-and-volley players. You like a target at the net. Today was it you weren't feeling your return passing shot?
ANDY MURRAY: I think he came up with some great shots. Maybe there's a few shots obviously in a match of three and a half hours that you probably could have done better with. But I did also come up with some great returns in the last game. The 30-All point, I hit a great return right down to his feet and a really good lob, and reflexed his smash. I read it well. He just kept coming up with great shots.

I think it was the point before the match point when he came up with a reflex or drop volley winner. Yeah, I mean, I don't know if I returned badly. I thought I returned reasonably well. I definitely could have served better the last couple of sets.

Q. Did you feel flat, low on energy at all? At one stage you were shouting 'energy' at the changeover.
ANDY MURRAY: I don't think I was flat. I feel like that's something I get asked all the time when I lose matches. Were you flat?

I don't think I was today. I was getting myself pumped up. Sometimes at the end of the sets I was trying to get a little more energy, you know, show more sort of positive body language. And I did that at the end of the match, at the end of the first and second sets.

It just wasn't to be today.

Q. Did you expect at some point as he got closer that he might tighten up and get nervous, realize where he was?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, look, I had some opportunities at the end. I think the last two service games I had chances. Maybe three service games in the last set I had opportunities. Maybe missed a couple of balls that he had been making.

But then, yeah, he came back from all of the mistakes that he made, kept coming, kept coming up with great shots. You know, there's not too much you can do about that. Sometimes you got to say, Well played.

It was obviously disappointing to lose. But, you know, he did some good stuff out there.

Q. You're the same age. You came up together through juniors. Great year, No. 1, gold medal, world champion. Is there a part of you that's happy for him?
ANDY MURRAY: Right now I'm more disappointed for myself. Obviously it's a tough one to lose. Obviously, you know, I wanted to go far in this event. It's the earliest I've lost here for, I don't know, a long time. So I'm disappointed right now.

Like I said, credit to him. He came up with great, great shots and played a really, really good match. You know, you always finish matches you lose with things you maybe could have done a bit better, but he played some really good stuff.

Q. Two lower-ranked players have beaten the very top players. Talk about the margins of error in the ATP, how that plays into today's result.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, obviously in the slams, with the best-of-five format, you have time, you know, to turn things around. There's also time to mess it up, I guess, as well.

But, you know, in the best-of-three set matches, it feels like there's less margin for error. If you play a bad set, you're immediately under pressure, whereas in the slams you have time to sort of figure it out and try to turn it around.

Yeah, there's always a chance to come back. You know, I didn't see Novak's match at all, but I can only comment on my match today. Every time it was close points, I put Mischa under pressure, he came up with great stuff. That's unfortunate for me and great for him. He deserves to be in the next round.

Q. Did you have any sense at any point this month, being a very long, hard end to last season, that perhaps this season had come around a little bit early?
ANDY MURRAY: Look, I mean, obviously the off-season for me was fairly short just because I had to take a decent break after the Tour Finals. But, you know, it was a great way to finish last year. I was full of confidence coming into the beginning of this year. I prepared as best as I could.

But maybe have to have a look back and assess some things and see maybe if there's some stuff I could have done differently, or did my opponent just play a great match? Sometimes that can happen, as well.

I don't know if the end of last season had any bearing on today. I wouldn't have thought so.

Q. It's very soon after the event, but what is your plan for the next few weeks?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know what I'm going to do immediately. Have a chat to my family first. Didn't get to see loads of them at the end of last year with training and then going over to Doha and stuff. First people I'll speak to is them, see what I do.

And, yeah, Davis Cup would be next on the schedule. But whether I stay here or go home in the meantime, I'm not sure.

Q. You've been on such a run since the French Open. Is this loss a bigger shock, more brutal to you because you've been winning so much or...
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I'm obviously down about it. It's just tennis. I mean, I had great success for a number of months. Obviously, you know, in the biggest events you want to do your best. Obviously that's not been the case here. You know, it happens.

I've had tough losses in my career in the past. I've come back from them. This is a tough one. I'm sure I'll come back okay from it. But right now I'm obviously very down because I wanted to go further in this event, and it wasn't to be.

Q. Having been so close so many times here, is it sort of doubly disappointing? Do you feel like you missed an opportunity?
ANDY MURRAY: Did I miss an opportunity? I don't know. I mean, every year you come is a different chance, different opportunity. I mean, still, even had I got through this match, Nishikori or Roger are waiting. Stan's still in. Guys like Tsonga. I don't know exactly what's happening in the match with Dan, but you've got, I don't know, Roger plus three guys that are pretty much in the top 10 in the world in my half. There's certainly no guarantees, even if I got through today's match, that I would have gone further.

Yeah, it's disappointing to lose. I don't feel like this is any more of an opportunity than other years.

Q. Is it playing a little bit quicker this year, would that help his game?
ANDY MURRAY: I think the temperatures make it faster, definitely when it's that hot. When I played Sam the other day, it's 20 degrees and cool, that slows things down. Definitely it's a bit faster.

I don't know whether that helps his game or not. I don't know what his best surface and best conditions are. Maybe it would be best to ask him.

You get a little bit more on the serve, maybe, when it's like this. You know, it's not that easy to control volleys when the ball's flying through the air like that. He did a great job of that today.

Q. Having played your first slam tournament as No. 1, do you think it changed anything, playing in these tight moments?
ANDY MURRAY: No. I mean, I didn't think about it at all the whole time I was playing in the event and not at all when I was on the court in any of the matches.

Once you get out there, rankings are completely irrelevant, you know, in my opinion anyway. Yeah, that played no bearing on anything.

Jane

22-01-2017, 11:24

It would appear from Q8(?) that Andy intends playing Davis Cup. I hope that is the case

lynne

22-01-2017, 14:44

On a lighter note folks!....

Sportscafe........Watch Wawrinka's hilarious response to a Federer fan........video inc.:thumbup:

http://sportscafe.in/articles/tennis/2017/jan/22/watch-wawrinka-smilingly-hints-a-federer-fan-to-his-court

cazza99

22-01-2017, 14:54

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/match_reports/2017-01-22/no1_goes_down_zverev_stuns_murray.html) - No.1 goes down: Zverev stuns Murray

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38709479) - Australian Open 2017: Andy Murray suffers shock defeat by Mischa Zverev

cazza99

23-01-2017, 21:45

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38711323) - Andy Murray: How much should be read into Australian Open exit?

cazza99

23-01-2017, 23:34

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/01/23/andy-murray-urged-take-long-break-good/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw) - Andy Murray urged to take a long break 'for his own good'

Jonas Bjorkman, now Marin Cilic’s coach, was perhaps the best placed to offer analysis after the months he had spent as part of Murray’s team in 2015. “Andy had played Mischa before," Bjorkman said, "so he knew exactly what to expect, but you get confused when you're not ball-striking as good as normal. You try to hit it to the corner and it goes half a metre away from that. All of a sudden you start thinking, and I think he got confused because he didn't hit it perfectly. He has the best lob in the game, and for his standard, he had so many short ones, which is very rare and unusual. But those guys are human, the standard is so good week in, week out.”

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-australian-open-exit-anatomy-of-defeat-a7541686.html) - Tennis stars explain Andy Murray's shock fourth-round exit at the Australian Open

The former French Open champion, Michael Chang, who coaches Kei Nishikori, agreed. “Mischa is obviously a unique player,” he said. “He doesn’t give you a whole lot of rhythm. It was probably one of the few times when Andy looked like he had lost his timing.

“Zverev was playing very craftily, picking the right times to attack and go for his shots. You don’t normally see Andy struggle against players who come in because his lobs and his passes are so good, but Zverev was able to find a way to get him off his game, so that Andy wasn’t hitting the shots that he normally hits.”

The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/the-times-sport/australian-open-the-one-that-got-away-from-andy-murray/news-story/ea952306e6ed6c464052fa6d64ce3b79)- Australian Open: The one that got away from Andy Murray

STV news (https://stv.tv/sport/tennis/1378789-race-for-number-one-spot-took-toll-on-andy-murray-says-mcenroe/) - Race for number one spot took toll on Andy Murray, says McEnroe

North West Evening Mai (http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/national/article/Boris-Becker-says-Australian-Open-defeat-will-cause-Andy-Murray-sleepless-nights-8daaf183-14ed-46d8-a48b-87d7a1b67375-ds)l - Boris Becker says Australian Open defeat will cause Andy Murray sleepless nights

Sun (https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/2679175/andy-murray-golf-balls-mansion-surrey-australian-open-2017/) - Andy Murray plagued by golfers at £2.7m family mansion as tennis ace crashes out of Australian Open 2017

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/01/22/tennis-podcast-misha-zverevs-serve-volley-knockout-andy-murray/) - Tennis Podcast: Misha Zverev’s serve-volley knockout of Andy Murray leaves John McEnroe drooling

piscesperson

24-01-2017, 09:20

Davis Cup: Andy Murray set to miss Britain's World Group tie in Canada
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38728268

Helen40

24-01-2017, 09:54

Hawkeye

24-01-2017, 10:10

As far as I'm concerned , this should be for Andy as it is in his specific part of the forum, and reports about others should only be on their threads, but no doubt I'll be outvoted as usual. Any other way and we end up with too much duplication IMO.

hfwardhouse

24-01-2017, 10:13

I agree with Hawkeye - the newspaper/internet reports thread is in Andy's part of the forum - other player's info should be in their own threads.

Helen40

24-01-2017, 10:20

How about compromising and having another thread just for reports in tour tennis for the other players? We've got so many successful Brits now :), it would be nice to be able to find their reports easily as links are often lost in individual player's threads.

harriet

24-01-2017, 10:30

i think Helen40's idea is smart, a separate thread would show the overall state of play of UK tennis beyond andy

cazza99

24-01-2017, 13:08

As I have specified before I post articles on the brits as well as Andy on here - and if necessary double post on the players threads. For me it is either post them on here or not at all most of the time. It is much more time consuming for people posting the articles to start opening up lots of threads and also to have to scroll through all the live scoring to see if something has been posted before on all the threads. Also quite a lot of write ups in the early stages of tournaments include write ups on several players at the same time. Not only that but some forum members do not always have time to go through lots of different threads to find the news. So its swings and roundabouts.

cazza99

24-01-2017, 14:13

Hi Mods, Please can you clarify what should be on this thread. I was looking for reports on Dan, and noticed that they are on here. Is that correct, or is there another reports section for the other players? I know they have all got their own threads, but it's so much easier/obvious to come to a thread like this to pick up the reports. Ta.

I double posted reports on Dan after his match with Tomic on Dan's thread - post 1758 as well as here due to the special occasion. So you should have found it both ways.

cazza99

24-01-2017, 17:30

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-24/five_things_we_learned_on_day_9.html) - Five things we learned on Day 9

2. Why Federer succeeded where Murray failed
Mischa Zverev gave an interesting insight into why he was able to beat Andy Murray, yet made no impression on Federer. “Federer can accelerate with his wrist far more than Murray can,” explained the German after his 92-minute 6-1 7-5 6-2 defeat (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/match_reports/2017-01-24/swiss_rolls_federer_storms_into_semis.html). “As a result, you can get a much better sense from Murray which way his shots are going, whether it’s down the line or cross court. With Roger, you have no idea. He also takes the ball so much earlier than Murray, he gets more spin on it, and he has eight different serves that he can use. Those differences really disturb the way I play, whereas when Andy plays Roger, he can use his greater strength to counter Roger’s advantages, whereas I don’t have the same strength.”

Helen40

24-01-2017, 18:04

I double posted reports on Dan after his match with Tomic on Dan's thread - post 1758 as well as here due to the special occasion. So you should have found it both ways.
I didn't actually look here initially because it's in the Andy section, and as you say I wasn't going trawl through lots of pages of match reports and congratulations. Hence my question as to whether there was a separate thread in tour tennis for everyone else, which is where I thought to search. From what I can gather, you're saying to post any reports here in the Andy section regardless of whether they are about him or not? If that's the ruling then that's fine. I'm just saying that I found it hard to find this morning, so I'm sure there will have been others in my shoes too.

jagmad

25-01-2017, 01:16

Australian Open (http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2017-01-24/five_things_we_learned_on_day_9.html) - Five things we learned on Day 9
2. Why Federer succeeded where Murray failed
Mischa Zverev gave an interesting insight into why he was able to beat Andy Murray, yet made no impression on Federer. “Federer can accelerate with his wrist far more than Murray can,” explained the German after his 92-minute 6-1 7-5 6-2 defeat. “As a result, you can get a much better sense from Murray which way his shots are going, whether it’s down the line or cross court. With Roger, you have no idea. He also takes the ball so much earlier than Murray, he gets more spin on it, and he has eight different serves that he can use. Those differences really disturb the way I play, whereas when Andy plays Roger, he can use his greater strength to counter Roger’s advantages, whereas I don’t have the same strength.”

Naaaah Andy was tired, Fatigued, burned out.
Ask Macca or Martina they know much better than Misha.
They have much more experience.
:facepalm:

RosieBear

25-01-2017, 03:56

2. Why Federer succeeded where Murray failed
Mischa Zverev gave an interesting insight into why he was able to beat Andy Murray, yet made no impression on Federer. “Federer can accelerate with his wrist far more than Murray can,” explained the German after his 92-minute 6-1 7-5 6-2 defeat. “As a result, you can get a much better sense from Murray which way his shots are going, whether it’s down the line or cross court. With Roger, you have no idea. He also takes the ball so much earlier than Murray, he gets more spin on it, and he has eight different serves that he can use. Those differences really disturb the way I play, whereas when Andy plays Roger, he can use his greater strength to counter Roger’s advantages, whereas I don’t have the same strength.”

Naaaah Andy was tired, Fatigued, burned out.
Ask Macca or Martina they know much better than Misha.
They have much more experience.
:facepalm:

+1. Agreed Jags. This makes much more sense to me as well. Andy's struggles against Mischa reminded me of how he has struggled against Stepanek - every player has a match up that is just horrible for them and Andy finds unconventional aggressive S&Vers awkward.

pabbers

25-01-2017, 12:36

I didn't actually look here initially because it's in the Andy section, and as you say I wasn't going trawl through lots of pages of match reports and congratulations. Hence my question as to whether there was a separate thread in tour tennis for everyone else, which is where I thought to search. From what I can gather, you're saying to post any reports here in the Andy section regardless of whether they are about him or not? If that's the ruling then that's fine. I'm just saying that I found it hard to find this morning, so I'm sure there will have been others in my shoes too.

You are of course welcome to look for and post articles yourself. Cazza has to be lauded for the amount of time and effort she puts into finding and posting articles in the first place.

lynne

28-01-2017, 19:30

Scottish Sun........ Andy Murray Live & Unleashed ... https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/476699/what-is-andy-murray-live-how-was-it-set-up-who-set-it-up-and-will-there-be-another-one/

Bardot

01-02-2017, 22:51

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liq5FNGbHbE

Eurosport (http://www.eurosport.com/tennis/leon-smith-confident-davis-cup-team-can-triumph-in-canada-without-andy-murray_sto6044862/story.shtml) - Leon Smith confident Davis Cup team can triumph in Canada without Andy Murray

cazza99

02-02-2017, 17:48

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38834716)- Davis Cup: Andy Murray to sit out first-round tie against Canada

Bardot

02-02-2017, 22:52

Tennis Canada (http://www.tenniscanada.com/davis-cup-bnp-paribas-draw-set-canada-vs-great-britain-weekend/) - Davis Cup by BNP Paribas draw set for Canada vs. Great Britain this weekend

cazza99

05-02-2017, 14:29

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38870467) - Davis Cup, Canada v Great Britain: Jamie Murray & Dom Inglot win doubles

Bardot

05-02-2017, 15:57

Tennis Canada (http://www.tenniscanada.com/tebbutt-singles-questions-davis-cup-doubles-loss/) - Singles questions after a Davis Cup doubles loss

cazza99

05-02-2017, 22:47

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38876048)- Davis Cup: Denis Shapovalov defaulted for hitting umpire with a ball, GB beat Canada

Teresa

05-02-2017, 22:58

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38876048)- Davis Cup: Denis Shapovalov defaulted for hitting umpire with a ball, GB beat Canada

(Includes the clip of the incident).

harriet

06-02-2017, 09:56

gdn/pa report on dubs (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/04/great-britain-davis-cup-canada-jamie-murray-dom-inglot)

Bardot

06-02-2017, 12:02

Tennis Canada (http://www.tenniscanada.com/tebbutt-sad-ending-sensational-davis-cup-sunday/) - Sad ending to a sensational Davis Cup Sunday

Rosalind

06-02-2017, 12:21

(Includes the clip of the incident).

Did anyone else notice Dan's very very quiet as a mouse celebration, biting his tongue and holding in the sound as he turns to the guy behind him and they realise that we've won.

-J-

06-02-2017, 14:16

Did anyone else notice Dan's very very quiet as a mouse celebration, biting his tongue and holding in the sound as he turns to the guy behind him and they realise that we've won.
Yup spotted it at the time was a little disappointed in his reaction think at the very least could have waited till the official announcement

suttontennis

06-02-2017, 14:56

Yup spotted it at the time was a little disappointed in his reaction think at the very least could have waited till the official announcement

looked to me like he sneezed. Yup, definitely a sneeze.

Bardot

08-02-2017, 16:38

Some recognisable names mentioned here. ;)

Ubitennis (http://www.ubitennis.net/blog/2017/02/08/miami-open-accused-of-favouritism-over-promotional-poster/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter) - Miami Open Accused Of Favouritism Over Promotional Poster

Sallydaisy

08-02-2017, 16:51

JerryD

08-02-2017, 19:25

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/del-potro-murray-laureus-awards-february-2017

lynne

08-02-2017, 22:07

The Scottish Sun......Sir Andy Murray & Kim to Celebrate Sophia's First Birthday ..(mainly about Judy!)............ https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/542830/sir-andy-murray-and-kim-to-celebrate-sophias-first-birthday-by-gathering-four-generations-of-his-family-at-party/

andyfer

08-02-2017, 22:58

Q & A with Andy and John Beattie tomorrow. Send in your questions.

https://twitter.com/bbctimeline/status/829334640762769408

jagmad

09-02-2017, 01:21

Yup spotted it at the time was a little disappointed in his reaction think at the very least could have waited till the official announcement

I'd say it was relief more than celebration. I know Kyle had it pretty much sorted by then but tennis
as we all know is a funny beast and anything can happen. (As it did)
I believe Dan was worried his loss meant the team would loose and felt he should'ave sealed it himself.
Could'ave been done better yes but none the less understandable when you add in the passion.
As was the unfortunate end to the tie.
A word to all when demonstrating ones passion/getting angry with ones self/venting ones spleen.
Make sure there are no innocent casualties of your actions.
An old one comes to mind "Think before you drink before you drive"
He's young and will bounce back with a slightly older head on his shoulders. I hope!
:getcoat:

Bardot

09-02-2017, 20:56

The Miami Open has been listening. ;)

Miami Open ‏@MiamiOpen
He's on top of the world, and he's coming to Miami.

Will it end with trophy No. 3 for Andy?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4QFWM6XUAAKHqs.jpg

Sallydaisy

09-02-2017, 22:22

:lol:
And there's me thinking I'd have top billing!!!
:laugh:

lynne

10-02-2017, 00:23

Reuters.......Tennis-Murray to return to Davis Cup action...........http://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUKL4N1FU573?feedType=RSS&feedName=tennisNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+reuters%252FUKTennisNews+%2 528News+%252F+UK+%252F+Tennis+News%2529

JerryD

10-02-2017, 00:59

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/02/09/andy-murray-unveils-roger-federer-guest-exhibition-event-scotland/

JerryD

10-02-2017, 17:40

http://m.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/judy-murray-sport/story-30126876-detail/story.html Interview with Judy about Andy and Jamie

Bardot

14-02-2017, 10:16

Bardot

14-02-2017, 16:51

Whoever operates the Miami Open twitter account is the best. After trolling fans with their original tournament poster and the good humoured response to the abuse they are at it again on Valentines day. They tweeted puntastic posters for Federer, Wawrinka, Del Potro and this one for Andy but nothing for Djokovic. :big grin:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4ochcoWQAEoTZf.jpg

More than two hours later having been on the end of Nolefam wrath they tweeted.

Miami Open ‏@MiamiOpen
For you, #NoleFam 😉

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4o3lRQWcAArPso.jpg

Superb trolling. :clap:

ljs

14-02-2017, 19:09

ohhh I love that pic of Andy !!!!!

jagmad

14-02-2017, 19:31

Scottish Sun (https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/579239/andy-murray-live-beats-barry-manilow-wet-wet-wet-and-a-ha-to-lift-best-sse-hydro-show-of-2016/) - MURRAY MANIA Andy Murray Live beats Barry Manilow, Wet, Wet, Wet and A-Ha to lift best SSE Hydro show of 2016

Hardly surprising really Sir Andy is a real Star.

Ps. What's got 160 legs and thirteen teeth?????

The front row of a Barry Manilow concert.
;)

Bardot

14-02-2017, 19:57

ohhh I love that pic of Andy !!!!!

That's Andy's sarky face he gives his box after losing a point probably having hit a forehand halfway up the net. ;)

Bardot

14-02-2017, 20:00

The Laureus sports awards are being held tonight and the World Sportsman of the Year (for which Andy was nominated) was won by Usain Bolt.

jagmad

14-02-2017, 21:06

The Laureus sports awards are being held tonight and the World Sportsman of the Year (for which Andy was nominated) was won by Usain Bolt.

Not bad for a guy who ran with a team member that cheated.;)

ljs

14-02-2017, 23:38

That's Andy's sarky face he gives his box after losing a point probably having hit a forehand halfway up the net. ;)

Nahhhh , thats his " I cant believe Im doing what I love so much & making so much money at it " face :p

Still a great pic of him , such a nice smile :big grin:

cazza99

16-02-2017, 15:34

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10761320/andy-murray-warns-roger-federer-to-avoid-deep-fried-mars-bars) - Andy Murray warns Roger Federer to avoid deep-fried Mars bars

Maidenhead Advertiser (http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/gallery/more-sport/111167/jamie-delgado-takes-time-out-from-coaching-sir-andy-murray-to-give-advice-to-future-tennis-stars.html) - Jamie Delgado takes time out from coaching Sir Andy Murray to give advice to future tennis stars

Herald (http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15096487.Judy_Murray_calls_for_separate_PE_lessons _for_boys_and_girls/) - Judy Murray calls for separate PE lessons for boys and girls

Scotsman (http://www.scotsman.com/news/how-andy-murray-triumphed-against-the-odds-1-4368628) - How Andy Murray triumphed against the odds

cazza99

16-02-2017, 15:43

The National (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/andy-murray-to-partner-nenad-zimonjic-in-doubles-at-dubai-tennis-championships) - Andy Murray to partner Nenad Zimonjic in doubles at Dubai Tennis Championships

Daily Record (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/its-disgusting-tennis-fans-fury-9796826) - 'It's disgusting': Tennis fans' fury after greedy touts try to flog Andy Murray charity clash tickets

RosieBear

17-02-2017, 14:57

Roger Federer is proof I can win Grand Slams for FIVE more years, says World No. 1 Andy Murray: As the Scot approaches his 30th birthday, he is looking at Federer as an example of how to prolong his career at the highest level

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/roger-federer-proof-can-win-9795447

Good for you, Andy - this is exactly what I have always said. Looking forward to Andy silencing the naysayers over longevity just like he did following the "he'll lose his fire once he's a dad" claims.:rolleyes: Go Andy! :boogie:

Bardot

17-02-2017, 19:21

The Miami Open are at it again. :big grin:

Miami Open ‏@MiamiOpen
Pure domination in Miami. Don't miss @DjokerNole as he goes for his third consecutive Miami title!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C441Q3OVYAAVWBj.jpg

Djokovic is going for his FOURTH consecutive title but then they knew that. ;) #Nolefam are revolting. :big grin:

pabbers

17-02-2017, 23:10

Good for you, Andy - this is exactly what I have always said. Looking forward to Andy silencing the naysayers over longevity just like he did following the "he'll lose his fire once he's a dad" claims.:rolleyes: Go Andy! :boogie:

To be fair I think it's Roger who's currently defying all the nay sayers. Much as I dislike him (but not his tennis) I have said time and again that every Fed win, including this year's Oz Open trophy, gives hope of many more years of tennis and trophies to we Andy fans.

angiebabez

18-02-2017, 09:19

Good article. Andys bit starts on page 37

https://issuu.com/whitefoxmedia/docs/fsme_08_feb_issue_issuu_lr

RosieBear

19-02-2017, 18:01

Prestige sporting events such as Wimbledon are to be kept out of Rupert Murdoch’s hands: :phew::phew::phew:

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4238642/Crown-jewels-TV-sport-saved-Government.html#ixzz4Z9gv8u00

piscesperson

21-02-2017, 19:21

Britain poised to face France in Davis Cup without Andy Murray
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/02/20/britain-poised-face-france-davis-cup-without-andy-murray/

cazza99

21-02-2017, 20:28

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39031519)- Davis Cup: Great Britain quarter-final tie in France to be held indoors on clay

Bardot

22-02-2017, 15:56

Andy once tweeted about his resemblance to Andrew Garfield but clearly forgot about it for this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnDE33WSnkQ

Bardot

23-02-2017, 23:10

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

Bardot

23-02-2017, 23:10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01IurMea1y4

JerryD

24-02-2017, 09:53

http://whatson.ae/dubai/2017/02/andy-murray-dubai-2017-goals-feels-world-no-1/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

karanga

25-02-2017, 00:03

Andy plays beach tennis with Roger in Dubai.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV3QqFi7qlI

Bardot

26-02-2017, 11:37

From Andy's "meet the press" in Dubai today.

Reem Abulleil ‏@ReemAbulleil
Murray was sick for about 10 days. Had shingles. Back to full strength now #DDFtennis

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5lglA9WAAEVYBn.jpg

Alis

26-02-2017, 12:46

Poor Andy - shingles can be very debilitating. If he was incubating shingles while he was in Australia perhaps that was responsible for his early exit. I just looked it up - shingles has an incubation period of 14 - 16 days, so definitely possible.

Bardot

26-02-2017, 13:57

"King of the Lobs" is back. :shades: (0:55)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChVzv1iTALs

angiebabez

26-02-2017, 14:02

Aww he looks really happy. Lots of man love for jamie ;)

Bardot

26-02-2017, 14:21

Indian Express (http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/tennis/andy-murray-recalls-struggle-with-shingles-after-australian-open-exit-4544886/) - Andy Murray recalls struggle with shingles after Australian Open exit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vChY4mtj1dE

Jan

26-02-2017, 14:49

eek shingles can be really nasty.

cazza99

26-02-2017, 15:46

Poor Andy - shingles can be very debilitating. If he was incubating shingles while he was in Australia perhaps that was in part responsible for his early exit. I just looked it up - shingles has an incubation period of 14 - 16 days, so possible.

Blimey, I had shingles when I was 17 - it took me several months to get over it properly, but they did not have antiviral drugs in those days. But shingles does not have an incubation period - it is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus that gets stored in the body.

JerryD

26-02-2017, 22:34

Murray on Dubai http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-dubai-2017-preview

RosieBear

27-02-2017, 10:40

On the one hand very sorry to read about poor Andy's bout of shingles, but on the other hand relieved that it provides the genuine explanation for Andy's early Aus exit. Did not buy Mac's (and others) 'he's burnt out after O2/Number 1 effort' for a second. No way would Andy struggle with fitness in January, even following a mammoth end of previous year, unless there was an underlying issue.

Maud

27-02-2017, 10:51

Josephine

27-02-2017, 12:09

Andy himself said he was exhausted after the long run to get to No 1 and that was weeks before he got shingles.

Alis

27-02-2017, 12:52

I believe that the shingles virus lies dormant in your system and you are more likely to develop it if you are run down. As, on his own admission, Andy was physically and mentally exhausted at the end of the year it was more likely that he would succumb than if he was in tip top condition. I can't help but feel that it was a factor in his early exit from Melbourne - although, as has been already said, Andy would never use it as an excuse.

Teresa

27-02-2017, 13:08

Poor chap - he must have been a sitting duck for it. Still think he was physically spent after the end of last year, but imagine he was also mentally spent as well. He essentially went about 6 weeks with total concentration. He couldn't afford to go walkabout at all.

JerryD

27-02-2017, 13:33

It could have been a combination, the shingles may have came on due to being run down after the end of next. KevD suffers with shingles and he gets them more when he is run down, overtired or stressed. Glad he is better now and looking to the future

Caro

27-02-2017, 13:52

Shingles, as many have already said, can be very debilitating BUT it isn't always. Andy is young and mega fit. A friend of mine had it when she was around Andy's age and she only got diagnosed because the rash was sore and she showed it to me "that looks like shingles" says I. She had been carrying on as normal, going to work and the gym and she said "it can't be, I don't feel ill .... but thinking about it I have been really tired". Maybe it was the same sort of story for Andy.

Josephine

27-02-2017, 14:33

Doesn't it justifiy McEnroe's quote that Andy was burnt out - i.e. physically and mentally exhausted and therefore immune system lowered, so more likely to develop something like shingles.

cazza99

27-02-2017, 22:06

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2017/02/26/andy-murray-shakes-shingles-step-back-treadmill-dubai-tournament/) - Andy Murray shakes off shingles to step back on the treadmill in Dubai tournament

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39097755) - Andy Murray says he is 'ready to go' for Dubai Tennis Championships

"I was a bit sick for 10 days, a couple of weeks, after I got back from Australia.

Bardot

28-02-2017, 18:00

All you want to know about shingles but didn't like to ask! ;) "Pull your pants down" :shamed: :big grin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAUhO-JYcLc

Bardot

28-02-2017, 18:02

"It doesn't happen that often" :big grin:

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

JerryD

28-02-2017, 18:23

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-dubai-2017-tuesday

HoopGirl

28-02-2017, 19:48

What a great interview - Andy sounds in great form!

angiebabez

28-02-2017, 20:28

Hee hee :lol: fab :thumbup:

Rosalind

28-02-2017, 23:25

yes, great interviews! A bit different from the normal subjects!
I had shingles in my twenties for the first time- it is very painful. It also comes back as the virus doesn't leave your body. With me the second time was also quite bad but after that it is fairly minor although I always feel tired. So, I hate to say it but, if Andy gets run down, it's a likelihood.

I would never whistle and holler when Andy changed his shirt... I am always too busy snapping photos!:laugh:

Bardot

01-03-2017, 14:23

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=127296).

A. MURRAY/M. Jaziri

6-4, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Looked like a fairly routine first-round match. Is that how it felt?
ANDY MURRAY: Obviously the second set was obviously a bit easier. First set, especially the beginning, was tough. You know, first match is never easy, and playing someone who -- you know, he goes for it and he takes chances.

So, you know, a little bit uneasy. I have never hit with him or played against him before. It took a little bit of time to get used to his game. But I played better as the match went on.

The only thing I didn't do well was the first serve. I didn't hit my first serve that well. I'm not sure exactly why. Maybe, you know, first match under the lights, haven't practiced in those conditions since I have been here.

The second serve was very good. The rest went well.

Q. Did you have any idea what was going on with him?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I had no idea. He just said he wasn't feeling well and a little bit dizzy, but I mean, I didn't notice before then that anything was up.

Q. How was your body feeling? A little bit of an issue with the groin at all?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I don't feel sore anywhere, really. I felt like I moved good, and the body felt good.

Q. What was the thinking in playing doubles yesterday? I know you lost, but did it sort of help get you match ready?
ANDY MURRAY: Nenad had been asking me for quite a while, and I hadn't obviously played a match for a bit, so often the first tournament back after a break, I tend to play and sometimes, you know, in different conditions, in new conditions.

I normally play Monte-Carlo. I have often played Indian Wells. And, yeah, just maybe get a bit used to the conditions and get matches in. It's important for me now after the break I have had to play a bit. You know, doubles is good for sharpening up the returns and stuff.

Q. Garcia-Lopez next. What can you say about that match?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know exactly how many times we have played. I just remember I lost to him once in Indian Wells, you know, when I was feeling great, from what I remember.

The practice week before I was playing like some of the best tennis I had ever played, and then I went out there in the evening and really, really struggled. He killed me. I think it was like 3 and 2, or I remember it being a pretty easy match for him.

You know, I will need to be ready for that one, and I hope I play a good one.

Q. Do you find that you're more tired or something since you have had the shingles?
ANDY MURRAY: No. I mean, the first few days when I got here when I was playing points, I felt a bit more out of breath maybe than usual. I don't think that was anything to do with the illness. I think that was just more because I had been practicing in kind of cold conditions and, you know, not playing at that intensity really.

You know, I practiced with Dan Evans a couple of times, Berdych, Verdasco, Kohlschreiber. These are obviously very good players. You know, it just takes a few days to get used to that again. But tonight I didn't feel out of breath really. I felt good.

Q. How much have you talked with Ivan in the last month or so?
ANDY MURRAY: We spoke a couple of times on the phone. Then a few messages. Yeah, we spoke probably about a week after, maybe ten days after I got back and then again, when I realized I had the shingles, I spoke to him again about that, and then, yeah, a few messages the last couple of weeks. You know, Jamie and him have been in contact quite a bit.

Q. Miami will be the next time you see him?
ANDY MURRAY: Ah, yeah. Yeah.

Q. I'm sorry I'm late. Has anyone asked you about the shingles?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. Well, it depends what question you want to ask about (smiling). It was mentioned, but...

Q. Sorry. Just wanted to ask like do you have any idea how it came about? Was it something that can come from chicken pox when you were younger, or someone suggested it might be overtraining, or...
ANDY MURRAY: Well, from what I was told by a doctor is that everyone has, it's basically adult chicken pox, and that everyone can get it. I think there's like 1 in every 3 people get it as adults. The virus is inside you, but they don't know exactly what it is that brings it out, whether it's coming into contact with someone that has shingles -- which, that wasn't the case, I don't think.

You know, it can be stress. You know, there's a number of other things it could have been. I don't know exactly what it was, but, you know, just need to take it easy a little bit.

Yeah, I did that, and, you know, I feel fine now.

Q. It can be quite painful, can't it?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah. Well, like I had a little bit of a rash basically like on my bum 'round to kind of my stomach, and it wasn't, like, terrible. But then, you know, normally like if you have like a little bit of a rash and you scratch it, it feels better. But with that, it was, like, really, really painful.

I didn't think much of it at the beginning, and then it was actually my wife's mum, we were having dinner, and I was, like, This is really irritating.

She was, like, Pull your pants down. Show me. (Laughter.) It might be shingles.

I was, like, Okay.

Then the next day got a doctor, and she was right. Yeah, I think her son Scott had had it, so she had seen it before.

It's quite strange, because it comes in like an arc and it doesn't go past like the center of your body. It stays on one side. I kind of like knew when I read about it, I was like, actually, Yeah, it clearly is that. And the doctor confirmed it the next day.

Q. Some people say it can be like quite serious, serious cases of it, and it can linger. You're pretty confident that it's gone for now?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, it appears to be. I mean, the rash is completely gone now, and I felt fine when I was training. I mean, I don't think I'd be able to do what I was doing out there this evening if -- a lot of people said that like afterwards, once the rash is gone, that you can feel very tired for quite a few weeks, a number of weeks afterwards.

But, I mean, I was maybe a little bit more tired than usual at the beginning, but I really feel fine now.

Q. How did you then get rid of it? Is it sort of antibiotics?
ANDY MURRAY: Antiviral stuff and then a cream, basically.

Q. You took the pill?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah.

Q. Because you have to catch it within a certain period.
ANDY MURRAY: That's what they said, yeah. Within the first week or so.

So, yeah. I did that, and I didn't use the cream too much, but it cleared up probably five, six days after I caught it.

Q. This is a bit silly, but I'm sure it's happened to you many times. On the court when they start whistling when you're changing your shirt, what goes through your mind? How ridiculous is that to you?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it doesn't happen that often (smiling). I mean, it's obviously happened pretty much every time, you know, any player does it. You know, the crowd find it amusing, and so long as they're entertained, that's the most important thing. But it's a bit embarrassing for the players.

Bardot

01-03-2017, 18:13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd6EVeEFW6s

cazza99

01-03-2017, 18:38

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39131505) - Dubai Championships: Andy Murray beats Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in round two

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10786285/andy-murray-makes-light-work-of-guillermo-garcia-lopez-in-dubai) - Andy Murray makes light work of Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in Dubai

Bardot

01-03-2017, 20:06

Andy noticeably irked at being asked again about dopers and wild cards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxJ5I8uNKEY

Bardot

01-03-2017, 20:39

Stupid question about unforced errors. :facepalm:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ol1IzvsL64

Bardot

02-03-2017, 15:09

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=127323).

A. MURRAY/G. Garcia-Lopez

6-2, 6-0

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. First three games, you were expecting a long match?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, often the start of the match is key, you know, especially the way that that one got going. You know, when I got the early break, pretty much was almost 30 minutes in and we'd only played four games. Mentally, that was important for me, you know, to be up at that stage.

It could have gone either way, obviously, first few games. But being up at that stage helped, and then I loosened up a bit after that and played really well.

Q. How do you assess your form now two matches played after a five-week break?
ANDY MURRAY: It was way than how I played at the beginning of the year, that's for sure. You know, playing aggressive, feeling more solid, you know, when I'm in position to dictate the points, I'm doing it, moving forward.

You know, I hit my forehand very well last couple of matches. I served better today. It's been a good start. Obviously matches will get tougher, but I'm much happier with how I'm playing.

Q. You talked about playing aggressively. The stats said you went to the net 12 times. Is that to do with the conditions with the court here, or is that a different tactical changeup that you're making?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, it's something I used to do a lot more earlier in my career, and then, you know, sometimes, you know, you can get away from that. It's obviously sometimes feel like it's more high-risk going to the net, but if you trust your shot and you're feeling confident and striking it well, when you're in the middle of the court, it's very difficult, especially on a surface like this, to make the passes.

So, yeah, I think that the surface here allows it. The surface in Australia also allowed it, as well, and I used it to my advantage tonight.

Q. Sharapova just got a wildcard into Rome. I'm wondering what's your opinion...
ANDY MURRAY: I spoke about it yesterday and made my opinion pretty clear. I have been answering questions on this honestly for over a year now, and I don't know what else I'm supposed to say.

I'm extremely clear on how I feel about antidoping, and, yeah, I don't know really what else to say about it. I was very clear yesterday.

Q. Physically, I know it's a best-of-three-set matches here, but do you feel better and different physically compared to the sort of start of the year?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I played pretty well in my match with Novak and Berdych in Doha. I played some pretty good stuff. And then Australia and the beginning of Doha, I didn't play so well. I was moving well in Doha but not necessarily hitting the ball that well.

In Australia, I didn't feel like I moved that well in any of the matches. Definitely good to be out there, moving good from the beginning of the matches. Hopefully I keep that going. It's such an important part of my game. When I'm not doing that well, you know, it can affect my performance, but it's been good so far.

Q. Kohlschreiber next.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it will be tough, because, you know, every time we have played we have had a lot of close matches. I think he likes the conditions here. He's played well here the last few years. He obviously keeps coming back to this event. He obviously likes it here.

Yeah, it will be a tricky one, for sure. You know, he's a talented guy. He uses the angles of the court well. He plays with a lot of spin. And if you let him dictate the points, you know, he makes you move a lot.

So I need to play well.

Q. Kohlschreiber, we were talking to him the other day about his sense of humor. He comes off as quite a funny guy. Do you know him well off the court?
ANDY MURRAY: Not really. I mean, I have practiced with him a few times. I have not spent loads of time with him.

He's always been pretty polite and friendly when I have seen him around the tournaments. I have not spent loads of time with him, so I don't know him that well.

Q. You can't vouch for that?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah.

Q. Yesterday at the party there were quite a lot of legends there. Did you get to bump into anybody?
ANDY MURRAY: No, I didn't see -- I mean, I got there pretty late, because by the time I finished all my recovery stuff, it was 11:00. I was only there for 15, 20 minutes, and then I left.

So, yeah, I didn't see anyone. Who was there?

Q. Krajicek and Albert Costa.
ANDY MURRAY: I think a lot of people -- they had meetings. So a lot of the ones that were tournament directors were probably here for that.

Bardot

02-03-2017, 22:01

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

Bardot

02-03-2017, 22:03

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv3Glm3hnCM

patlowe

02-03-2017, 22:13

Good sensible and grounded interview from Andy! (as usual.)

ljs

02-03-2017, 22:14

That amazing drop shot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay-CDuJL3DA

Bardot

02-03-2017, 22:25

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-pouille-dubai-2017-thursday) - Murray Downs Kohlschreiber In Dubai Thriller

“Of course losing is always disappointing, but I'm not sad,” stated Kohlschreiber. “I think I played great tennis, one of my best matches. You can be thinking about one or two shots, but it was just a great match. It’s well-deserved, he’s a great fighter, he never gave up.”

Bardot

03-03-2017, 17:44

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=127384).

A. MURRAY/P. Kohlschreiber

6-7, 7-6, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Matches don't get much better than that, do they? Especially when you win?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, it's obviously difficult to know -- I can't remember everything exactly that went on out there, but there was definitely some unbelievable points in that second-set tiebreak. You know, obviously we both missed a couple of shots, but in general, I think the level was extremely high.

He was hitting the ball so hard tonight, I mean, from both sides. Any time he had the opportunity, he was ripping the ball and made it really, really tough.

Q. Why is he so difficult to play? You have had some wonderful matches over the years with him.
ANDY MURRAY: He serves well. He's not the tallest guy, but he has a very good serve. You look at his second-serve points won, you know, which is always a crucial stat, he's always in the top 10, 15 in the world at that.

He uses the angles of the court extremely well. He plays -- you know, he can play with a lot of spin. He's got a really quick hand. So if you leave the ball sort of sitting there, he moves you off the court.

You know, a lot of guys tend to hit through the court a little bit more and a bit flatter, but he's able to, you know, with his forehand and his backhand use the angles a lot, which makes it tough and you have to do a lot of running.

You know, he's quick. He's a smart player, and that's why he's been -- we were saying the other day, he's been top 30, top 40 in the world for like 10 years. I mean, he's really, really tough to play against. Tonight was no different.

Q. Do you remember saving seven match points before?
ANDY MURRAY: Never. And I have never played a tiebreak that long ever. Not in juniors, nothing even close to that, I don't think.

Q. 31 minutes and 6 seconds tiebreak.
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, and what was the score? 20-18? So that's -- yeah, 36 points. Yeah, I mean, -- yeah, obviously a long, long tiebreak (smiling). And, yeah, like I said, I'll probably never play another one like that again. I mean, I have been playing on the tour for 11, 12 years now, and nothing's been close to that.

Q. You have won Grand Slams, you have won Davis Cups, you have won lots of matches, but after a match like that, do you get a special sense of achievement?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, they can be very important matches to get through, you know, ones like that. You know, I could have obviously easily lost tonight, but, you know, the way that I played when I was behind will give me a lot of confidence, you know, after -- you know, it was a tough start to the year, and to get through a match like that, you know, against a guy who I think played very, very well and played really well, like he didn't throw it away in the tiebreak, you know, I really had to earn it, is, you know, it was big for me.

And, yeah, I want to try and keep that going now. But yeah, I mean, it's obviously a special match to win because of how it went.

Q. The dropshot, was that just an instinct shot? (Question about saving match points.)
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, probably. I mean, that was probably the worst decision I made in the whole match. Look, I mean, it obviously paid off, and, you know, I wouldn't advise -- like, if I was coaching someone, I certainly wouldn't tell them to try a shot like that off -- maybe when the ball's a bit higher, it's easier, but it was off a slice, and I was running around the ball. It was literally, like, the most extreme angle possible, as well.

Yeah, I mean, there's obviously a lot of luck involved in that shot.

Q. When did you realize that you guys forgot to change sides in that tiebreaker?
ANDY MURRAY: I realized at 16-All. I thought we shouldn't -- yeah, we shouldn't be changing ends at that time, and the umpire said that he forgot, and also his machine didn't recognize it. I mean, I don't know if the machines are made to go that high, because it doesn't happen very often (smiling).

Q. This was obviously a rewarding match from that point of view coming through a tough battle, but do you get the sense of enjoying it as you're playing, or does that just comes afterwards?
ANDY MURRAY: No, it comes afterwards. In the moment, it's not -- yeah, like when you're match points down or playing a tiebreak like that, you're just -- you're trying to concentrate, and it's not -- you know, you're not getting enjoyment in that moment.

Obviously it was very rewarding to come through a match like that and obviously very pleased to get through it. I would have been very disappointed if I'd lost the second set, but also, I didn't feel like I was playing badly.

I played a poor tiebreak in the first set, but apart from that, I mean, I felt like I was playing pretty well and he was playing, you know, really good stuff. So I'm much happier with how I'm playing just now.
He was close. :shamed: ;)

Kohli's presser.

Q. That must be very disappointing to lose that one.
PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER: Of course losing is always disappointing, but I'm not sad. I think I played great tennis, one of my best matches.

Okay, the result is sad, but the way I played, the way I enjoyed myself on the court, nothing to be sad about.

Q. Is that the best you have ever played, certainly against a top player?
PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER: Maybe, maybe. I mean, the first two sets, I think also Andy played -- I hope he will say that -- a really good match. I think we both played almost the best tennis we can play, I guess.

Of course, you will always find, oh, this one, this one, and overall I think it was a very great match. Well-deserved, he's a great fighter, he never gave up.

Yeah, you can be thinking about one, two shots. I don't know. Was just a great match, and I think the end with the spectators showed that everybody's had a really great day.

Q. While you were in the middle of the match, are you aware how good it is? I mean, can you actually enjoy it as you're playing?
PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER: Yeah. Well, I think I have two ways of my game. You know, one is, like, the fighting spirit, playing a lot of topspin, running a lot. So far I was -- I beat some of the big guys, but obviously I lost more of them, so I tried to be more aggressive today, to show also that I worked in the preseason on my forehand, more firepower.

Of course, I could serve maybe a little bit better if I want to find something, but he's also one of or "the" best returner, so it's like that.

Q. The seven match points that you had, was there anything you could have done to just grab that last point?
PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER: Yeah, like I said, I think I had one maybe easy backhand I missed down the line. Maybe I was holding back a little bit. Maybe I should go on crosscourt. Maybe, maybe, maybe. You know, I didn't make it.

But I also served in the crucial moments and in that tiebreaker also big. He played his best tennis there. So of course I have to analyze that kind of match. But also, I think only in a good way. How I played the forehand, how the footwork was, the attitude, that's the good things.

Bardot

03-03-2017, 18:42

Andy's smirk when mentioning Djokovic's draw in Acapulco. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhAt1SpQhD8

Bardot

03-03-2017, 19:20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3R-sR0C8CU

cazza99

03-03-2017, 20:21

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39157834)- Andy Murray beats Lucas Pouille to reach Dubai Championships final

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39145681) - Dubai Championships: Andy Murray beats Philipp Kohlschreiber to reach semi-finals

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39143495) - Aljaz Bedene: Briton has Davis Cup nationality appeal rejected

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10788620/andy-murray-beats-lucas-pouille-in-straight-sets-in-dubai) - Andy Murray beats Lucas Pouille in straight sets in Dubai

Bardot

03-03-2017, 20:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HfYCfD1D8M

JerryD

04-03-2017, 13:42

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Andy_Murray/41237/andy-murray-djokovic-had-a-tough-draw-in-acapulco-kyrgios-served-great-/

Bardot

04-03-2017, 15:03

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=127441).

A. MURRAY/L. Pouille

7-5, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. First set, Andy, tough? How did you find it?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it was tough. I mean, I don't think it was the best match. A lot of mistakes. You know, there was some good stuff in there, I think, middle and towards the end of the first set. But neither of us served well at the beginning.

He didn't make hardly any first serves his first few service games, and I was struggling a bit there too. I think potentially matches yesterday had something to do with that, because I think sometimes, you know, if your legs are a little bit tired, you know, that the serve is one of the first things that goes.

As the match went on, I started serving a bit better and that helped me. Yeah, the first set was very important to win after how the matches went yesterday.

Q. How mentally taxing was yesterday? And how much do you think about it when you're done, and when do you switch to the next one?
ANDY MURRAY: I didn't think loads about it last night. Maybe chatted about it a bit for 15, 20 minutes with my team after I got off. I was tired, but when we got done, I just wanted to get all my recovery stuff done, get some food in me, and get off to sleep.

But, yeah, you're obviously on quite a high after a match like yesterday. Sometimes you don't necessarily realize it. You know, you don't always sleep as well after a match like that.

But obviously just tried to -- I mean, it was tough for him, as well. He had a really, really late finish and a long match, as well, with a lot of ups and downs, too. So it wasn't easy.

Q. He said he didn't get to sleep until 5:00 a.m. What time did you drop off?
ANDY MURRAY: Probably about half an hour, 40 minutes after his match finished. We had drug testing yesterday after the match, and then obviously did my cooldown and massage and ate and then stretched. Then went to bed.

But I saw the end of his match. Probably 15, maybe 15, 20, half an hour, something like that after he finished, which I think was maybe quarter past 2:00, sometime around then.

Q. What do you eat at 2:00 in the morning after finishing a match?
ANDY MURRAY: Yesterday I had a three-egg omelet and some chips. That's what I had after the match. Some broccoli. Yeah, that was it.

Q. Does that mean you actually watched the match?
ANDY MURRAY: I watched bits of it, I mean, in between doing all my stuff. I mean, when I'm face down on the massage bed, I obviously can't see it, but I probably saw, I don't know, 45 minutes, an hour of the match, I'd say.

Q. Thoughts on Fernando Verdasco?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I mean, he's had a pretty good start to the year. Obviously tough draw in Australia, but he played well in Doha. Had the match points against Novak. Couldn't quite get that one done, but I think he played very well there.

And then obviously this week he's had some good wins. I think where the balls are fairly heavy here on a quick court, he can generate a lot of power, he can control the ball. And when he's dictating the points, I mean, he's one of the best in the world at doing that.

So obviously I need to try to stop him from doing that, which means, you know, dictating a little bit more myself, getting up on the baseline and, yeah, hopefully, you know, be a little bit sharper at the beginning compared with today.

Q. Second final this year. Just go straightaway home? You have a period coming up where you can pick up a lot of ranking points and get some wins together compared to last year. How are you feeling generally with your game?
ANDY MURRAY: I think the first three matches here I think I played pretty well. I don't think tonight was the best standard, really, but I played some good stuff this week.

I played some good matches in Doha, and, you know, obviously Australia was disappointing. But, you know, I have taken a decent break after that, worked on a few things.

You know, obviously you want to play your best tennis at the slams, but still, this is my third tournament, I'm in my second final, which is good. Obviously it would be nice to pick up a win tomorrow, keep the momentum going into Indian Wells and Miami, which is, you know, a couple of tournaments where, you know, especially Indian Wells, I really want to try and have a good run there. It's one of The Masters Series I haven't done well at over the years. Really want to make sure that I do well there this year.

Q. I know the time difference is difficult, but have you been following what's been going on in Acapulco, the results?
ANDY MURRAY: I saw the results. I mean, I have seen bits and pieces of, like, highlights of the matches, but obviously haven't seen loads. Obviously Novak got a pretty rough draw there.

From what I heard, his match with Delpo was extremely good. You know, just from looking at the stats and stuff, it seems like Nick served extremely well last night. He has one of the best serves in the world. When you serve 25 aces, you know, that's a great weapon to have.

Guys of his height, that would be pretty rare to see somebody serve 25 aces against Novak in a two-set match. When you're getting that many free points, it gives you the chance probably to go for your shots a little bit more when you're returning. It's obviously a great win for him. Very, you know, tough draw for Novak.

Q. Nick's matches against Roger, Novak, Rafa, he's beaten them all. Against you, you seem to have a very good record against him. From your side, any reason or explanation for that?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, it's -- well, I played him, when I played him the first time in Canada, he was still -- he was still very, very young. You know, I think on, you know, on the grass when he played against Rafa, I mean, again, served unbelievably well. You get loads of free appoints there.

And I have played him maybe on some of the slower surfaces, you know, barring Wimbledon. When I played him at US Open, he wasn't in the best place mentally around that time, either.

But, I mean, tennis is -- a lot of times it's about matchups. You can look at some, you know, -- like with Kohlschreiber, you know, in terms of ranking, you know, I'd be expected to win that match comfortably, and every time it's been really, really hard for me. And maybe it's just the way that my game matches up against his.

Same when I play against Nick. Maybe he prefers playing the others to me. I'm sure there's lots of guys out there that would rather play me than Roger or Novak or Rafa. Just really depends on the game styles.

From Pouille's presser.

Q. Talking about the future, do you have any thoughts yet about the possibility of facing Andy again in the Davis Cup in April?
LUCAS POUILLE: Yeah, yeah, of course. I was thinking about it before the match. It was in my mind.

It's gonna be a different surface. It's going to -- we're gonna play on clay. I don't even know if I'm going to be in the team or not, so yeah, of course, I think about it and I would love to play him again. I'm sure I can do better again.

Q. Would clay suit your game more against Andy than hard court?
LUCAS POUILLE: The last time playing him on clay I lost 6-2, 6-1, so I cannot say (smiling).

Bardot

04-03-2017, 18:20

Andy's press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v2XM01wmjI

Bardot

04-03-2017, 22:26

They're going skydiving!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5ycFBfj-oQ

cazza99

04-03-2017, 23:52

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39168363) - Andy Murray beats Fernando Verdasco to win first Dubai Championships title

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10789960/andy-murray-beats-fernando-verdasco-6-3-6-2-to-win-dubai-tennis-championships) - Andy Murray beats Fernando Verdasco 6-3 6-2 to win Dubai Tennis Championships

Bardot

05-03-2017, 15:14

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=127484).

A. MURRAY/F. Verdasco

6-3, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Congratulations. How did you feel you played out there? How does it feel to win a title?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it's obviously nice to win. You know, I played much better as the match went on. Obviously started a little bit slow.

Yeah, I mean, I was solid. You know, I wasn't afraid to sort of attack his forehand side. He's got one of the best forehands, but, you know, I tried to, you know, I tried to move him around the court as much as I could.

I defended pretty well. Moved well. Served a lot better as the match went on. It was obviously good to win the first tournament here.

Q. You have had close battles with him before. What was he not doing today that maybe made it easier for you?
ANDY MURRAY: He didn't hit his forehand particularly well, you know, so I just kept going there, really. He made a lot of mistakes off that side. Then, yeah, I mean, wasn't maybe serving as well as he has in some of the matches. He wasn't serving that big. All week he was going for more high percentage serving, and, you know, I was able to put a lot of returns back in play. Didn't get many free points on his own service games. Once we were in the rallies, like I say, he wasn't hitting his forehand as well as he can. You know, I was able to dictate a lot of the points and was a bit more solid.

Q. You had spoken before the tournament how last year maybe you would have wanted to have done well in the first half, and can you just say how much this title sets you up for a good stretch in the next few weeks?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, I hope it does. The thing is conditions, again, are totally different. Indian Wells, it's very slow court with fast balls and the other way around here, fast court with quite slow balls here.

So, you know, obviously I have to get there and adjust to that. You know, and because winning this week is fantastic, obviously winning matches builds confidence. After the break that I have had to get five matches in, six if you include the doubles, in six days is a really positive thing physically. You know, I feel good. I was a bit tired yesterday after the match with Kohlschreiber. But, yeah, I felt a lot better today.

Yeah, obviously was a good start to this stretch, and like I said, trying to obviously get to Indian Wells much earlier than I did last year. Will arrive tomorrow, which is a good thing. Even though it's a long trip, gives me five, six days to get ready before my first match.

Q. You have reached a final in seven of your last eight tournaments and 14 of your last 16 dating back to, I think, Madrid last year. Can you talk about that consistency?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, it's obviously been good. I was saying it's unfortunate that one of the ones where I didn't do it happened to be obviously a slam. You know, I think before...

Q. US?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, sorry, the US and also, you know, Monte-Carlo semis before that. But, you know, it's been a good run. Obviously want to try and peak and play your best tennis at the slams, but, you know, giving yourself a lot of matches gives you confidence to go into those big events. Certainly helped me at Wimbledon last year.

You know, maybe US went in maybe a bit fatigued after Rio and Cincy and a tough training block before then.

But it's been a great run. Can't complain about much.

Q. Going back to the conditions you talked about just now, do you feel that the faster pace here like in Australia suits your ambition to play a bit more aggressively, which you also talked about?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, obviously on the quicker courts, if you do that well, you know, you get the benefit. Sometimes it depends on what you think playing aggressively means. You know, you can play aggressively and hit the ball much harder but make loads of mistakes.

It's sort of getting the balance right. Everyone's game is different, you know. For some people playing aggressively might be coming to the net more. Some it might be just playing up closer to the baseline. It might be going for bigger first serves.

It really depends how you define it. If you're able to dictate more of the points on a quicker, faster court, you definitely get the benefits. It's not as easy to defend, you know, and make, you know, passing shots when you're way back in the court.

So I think in some of the matches this week I played fairly aggressive, but I have also played against guys like Kohlschreiber and Verdasco who were hitting the ball unbelievably hard, and it's not always your decision whether you play aggressive or not, or offensive.

You know, your opponents can dictate that, as well. Like when I played Zverev at the Aussie Open, if he serves and volleys on every ball and comes in on every ball, some could say I'm not aggressive enough. But that's not my game. I don't play serve and volley, so of course he's going to be play more offensively. It just depends how you define it, really.

Q. The support you get here, how does it compare to other places? I know there is a lot of Brits here and they come out to support you. But for you, did you feel a difference here compared to other places outside your home country?
ANDY MURRAY: It's always good here, for sure. Yeah, I mean, it depends sometimes on some of the events. Also depends who you're playing. Like in Spain, for example, I have spent a lot of time there when I was growing up, and I have always had good support there. But then if I play a Spaniard, it's like they hate me (smiling).

You know, you play Roger pretty much anywhere, play Roger here, you know, support is most likely going to be behind him.

But this week, you know, has been nice and, you know, some of the years, when I came a few years ago, like, you know, the crowd certainly weren't as good as they were this week in terms of size. It was pretty busy the whole week from the first round, so that was good.

Q. Again, you started a little bit slow and the serve wasn't working. What do you put that down to?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know exactly. Maybe today it could have been a bit of nerves. Yesterday didn't feel particularly nervous yesterday, but today, sometimes obviously finals and stuff, you know, there is a bit more pressure. You're playing for something, and sometimes you want to start a bit, a little bit quicker.

Sometimes on the faster courts, as well, the first few games can be a little bit tricky, because if you're not moving your feet as well and not getting a position for the shots perfectly, you know, the ball comes onto you fast, as well.

So obviously didn't start off serving great today, but yesterday I served okay but was missing a lot of easy shots. Don't know exactly why that was, but try and do that, try and get myself more ready for the beginning of the matches in Indian Wells, hopefully.

patlowe

06-03-2017, 19:31

Interesting to read Andy's take on being aggressive, 'it doesn't always mean coming to the net'......:tennis:

...Sometimes it depends on what you think playing aggressively means. ......It's sort of getting the balance right...... For some people playing aggressively might be coming to the net more. Some it might be just playing up closer to the baseline. It might be going for bigger first serves.......It really depends how you define it.......So I think in some of the matches this week I played fairly aggressive

JerryD

06-03-2017, 20:42

http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/2017-03-06/andy_murray_the_indisputable_no1.html?utm_source=m .facebook.com&utm_medium=referral Murray the indisputable number 1

Hawkeye

09-03-2017, 09:15

BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39215475) - Andy "has work to do".

Caro

09-03-2017, 12:57

BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39215475) - Andy "has work to do".
His words though not the BBC's.

Bardot

09-03-2017, 15:52

BNP Paribas Open (http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/en/media-and-news/news/2017/03/08/murray-indian-wells-preview?utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=17Articles&utm_medium=Tweet) - Murray Hails "Amazing Draw"

harriet

09-03-2017, 18:20

I see del Potro and Novak are due to face each other early, bet djo is describing this draw more colourfully than 'amazing'.

Bardot

09-03-2017, 22:41

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

jagmad

09-03-2017, 23:24

The Draw?!
Not before time.
More than deserved.
Now just make the most of it and bring home the Trophy.:trophy::knight:

Andy can't do it so I'l do it for him.
"Hey Nole!"
:laugh::laugh::fingersear::laugh::laugh:

greatunclebulgaria

10-03-2017, 09:26

not sure if this belongs here or somewhere else http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39224136 :sad::crying::crying::crying::angry::furious:

for me it will totally ruin it

Hawkeye

10-03-2017, 09:36

It's being discussed on the DC - Rest of the World thread in Tour Tennis.

pabbers

10-03-2017, 20:22

I seem to recall how delighted we were when just Djokovic went out early at the Oz Open......it's Andy's for the taking now we all thought.........so I'm saying nothing about this draw! :nailbiter:

piscesperson

12-03-2017, 09:39

Andy Murray loses to Vasek Pospisil in Indian Wells second round
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39247329

themass15

12-03-2017, 10:02

I seem to recall how delighted we were when just Djokovic went out early at the Oz Open......it's Andy's for the taking now we all thought.........so I'm saying nothing about this draw! :nailbiter:

And you have been proven wright

pabbers

12-03-2017, 12:09

And you have been proven wright

:crying:

cazza99

12-03-2017, 15:47

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39247329) - Andy Murray loses to Vasek Pospisil in Indian Wells second round

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/39191845) - Judy Murray: Lack of women in LTA leadership roles 'completely wrong'

cazza99

12-03-2017, 17:33

ATP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/murray-reaction-indian-wells-2017-saturday) - Murray Praises Pospisil's Serve-And-Volley

Rosalind

12-03-2017, 23:13

From other fan sites I've seen that the Daily Fail has photos of the back of Sophia's head! Why do we as humans lower ourselves to this level? True fans respect the privacy of the parents and don't want to see photos in the media and those who don't care surely have no interest! I hope the paparazzi shots have had no connection with Andy's shock loss today

Bardot

13-03-2017, 12:26

Transcript (http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=127944).

V. POSPISIL/A. Murray

6-4, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. When you got the break back in the second set, did you feel better? Did you feel the momentum was changing or was it tough right from the start?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, I mean, I started the match okay. The first set was a tough one to lose, because I was a break up twice in the set.

Didn't serve particularly well tonight, which, you know, which didn't help things. And then, yeah, in the second set he started to play more aggressively. You know, but I was giving myself decent looks at passing shots. I missed a few tonight. He also came up with some, you know, some really good reflex volleys on important moments and important points.

But, yeah, I mean, I didn't serve particularly well tonight. That didn't help.

Q. Is there a reason you weren't serving well? Is your shoulder okay?
ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, shoulder is fine. Yeah, don't know exactly why.

Q. You've had a few early losses here in your career. Is it fair to chalk this to that pattern? Is this a tough place to find your rhythm or get started?
ANDY MURRAY: I don't know exactly why it is, because in practice here normally I play pretty well. And then some years -- some years, you know, I played well. Some years it's just, you know, it just hasn't quite happened for me. I don't know exactly why that is. I don't know if it is the conditions here or -- yeah, or I really don't know why I haven't played my best here over the years.

Q. In those situations when the crowd gets behind kind of an underdog like that, does that ever affect you?
ANDY MURRAY: It helps, if anything. It was a really good atmosphere at the end. And, you know, it was pretty much a full crowd after the first 15, 20 minutes, so it was a nice atmosphere.

You know, I think especially the way he was playing, you know, I think the crowds like him. The guy was being aggressive, and he came out with some fantastic shots as well. So they really got into it.

Yeah. Didn't affect me at all.

Q. Looking at what happened here and Australia, you lost to two players who play serve-and-volley pretty much every point. Do you think it's a coincidence or maybe a pattern there?
ANDY MURRAY: Well, my results in my career have been fantastic against serve-and-volley players, so, you know, maybe it's something I need to practice a little bit more.

But, you know, I have never really practiced playing against serve-and-volleyers in my career. But when I have come up against them, it's normally been a game style I have enjoyed playing against.

You know, today it wasn't so much the serve/volley that was the problem. It was my own serve, you know, rather than not sort of getting enough opportunities when he was serving. So I think that was more the problem tonight.

Q. Did you see anything in Vasek's game that was different from when you last played him at Wimbledon a couple years ago? You were talking about how aggressive he is and the serve and volley. Can you talk about the difference in the two matches?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I think, for me, he's always played that way. Maybe he was doing it better this evening. But he was maybe a bit more solid from the back, a bit more consistent from the back of the court.

You know, I think on the grass that's -- I mean, it's very different surfaces, so it's difficult to compare. We played here a couple years ago, and, yeah, maybe more solid, more solid from the back of the court. And then, you know, that allows you and gives you more opportunities to come to net.

If you're making, you know, mistakes in the first three, four shots of the rally, not easy to come in on the correct ball. When you're a little bit more solid you can be patient and wait for the right shot to come in.

Q. Back to Miami, training base...
ANDY MURRAY: I have doubles tomorrow, I think, doubles tomorrow.

Q. Do you think there is a chance that the serve-and-volley game will really come back as a force in the men's game? What are your thoughts on that?
ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I have no idea whether it will. I think, you know, people have said that you can't, like, you can't play that way, but I think you can if you do it very well.

I don't think loads of players are taught it now growing up. It's not something that's practiced a lot. But if there are guys that do it from a young age, it's definitely a game style that can be successful.

You know, obviously in certain conditions or court surfaces, it's easier to do it, like on grass, obviously, and quicker hard courts.

But there is no reason why, if you play that game style well, you can't be effective doing it at the top of the game.