Federer And Nadal Unsurprised By Andy Murray’s Apparent Return To Tennis

Andy Murray of Britain acknowledges the audience after losing his first round match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 14 January 2019. EPA-EFE/JULIAN SMITH

 

 

By Ricky Dimon

 

Andy Murray announced earlier this week that he will begin his hopeful return to tennis with a doubles appearance at Queen’s Club later this month. Murray, who has not played since the Australian Open due to hip resurfacing surgery, is teaming up with 2017 Queen’s Club singles champion Feliciano Lopez.

 

The 32-year-old Scot initially announced Down Under that he would try to hold off surgery in order to play singles this summer at Wimbledon and then retire from tennis. But those plans changed with the thinking that surgery–right away–could prolong his career even if it meant being unable to play singles in 2019.

 

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were questioned about Murray’s comeback following their respective French Open quarterfinal victories.

 

“Not really,” Federer said when asked if he was surprised to hear the news. “I think when I saw him after his match against (Roberto) Bautista Agut, I also had just won my match. I saw him in the locker room and I was like, ‘So what’s up? Are you really retiring?’ He didn’t know. I was like, ‘Okay, clearly, there is misunderstandings or he’s not sure yet.’

 

“I just think it was an emotional moment, as you were probably all there. And I think he just was at a breaking point where he just realized, ‘Like this I cannot keep playing anymore.’…. He was in that moment and it just hit him.

 

“I think after we realized he wasn’t sure, we were all hoping he would come back. And from what I’m hearing, there [are] two ways to look at it. It’s number one for his health, and we want Andy to be healthy more so than being a tennis player. But if he can play tennis on top of it, that’s a super bonus. And I think all of us top guys would be thrilled to see him back on the tour.”

 

Similarly, Nadal was surprised about the retirement plans–but not about the comeback.

 

“Being honest for me, [it was] a little bit surprising that he announced (his retirement) that quick. So I always thought that he will find a way to try to be back, because still young and still very passionate about the game. So I’m happy to see that he (is) gonna play again, no?

 

“That’s great news firs for him and for his team and family, and then for the tour by itself, and then for the fans. So (it) is good for the world of tennis. (I’m) happy for it, and especially happy for him.”
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand. You can follow him on twitter at @Dimonator.

 

Editor’s note: We always wish all the Murray’s well. All of them! But we are wondering if JUDY put these two together for doubles.

The FEVER-TREE is the summers BEST tennis tourney. Wimbledon is awesome.. but it’s a SLAM. This is a tennis event in a prestigious little corner of London and of the World.

It should be on every tennis fans bucket list. It’s that great. Many of our team are already there. Watch it daily grow on Instagram. They take the 100 plus year club and they build a village around it. The Queen’s Club. 

And Andy you’ll do great. We know your grit. And Judy you are Mrs. Tennis. You have your MISS-Hits. But Ladies tennis exists in England because of your love and endless efforts (LJ)