‘Brave’ Andy is on way back says Fed
ROGER FEDERER said Andy Murray was “brave” to break into his recovery to play their exhibition match last week as concerns continue about the British No1’s chances of starting next season.
Ignoring the showmanship of Jack Sock, the Swiss got his Nitto ATP Finals campaign off to a winning start – but it is Andy Murray who remains the talk of The O2.
Murray was spotted at the arena on Saturday hitting up with world No4 Dominic Thiem after he had limped between points in a charity event in Glasgow against Federer last Tuesday.
“It was a brave move for him to just put himself out there, give it a go,” said Federer.
“Definitely he can move better, he can serve better. We know all these things.
“He still has a lot of time before Australia comes around but only he knows at what level he wants to return to competition.
“But I didn’t expect him to be this good yet.”
However, those who had seen him up close in the corridors of The O2 were more concerned.
Former Britsh No1 Tim Henman said on BBC commentary: “It’s slightly bizarre because you see him walking around in between points or away from the court and the limp is quite pronounced. Then when you see him moving on the court, his movement is improving. “But I still think he has a long way to go to get back and be 100 per cent.” Federer was again setting the standard yesterday. Not even an elaborate volley played between the legs by Sock could get between Federer and an opening-round victory – although the sight of the American’s backside in his face did knock the six-times champion off his stride very briefly. In a bizarre moment in the middle of the first set, the rookie American, playing in the event for the first time, hit a poor drop shot, inviting the simplest of put-aways. Sensing he was about to be spanked, he bent over to take his punishment, then watched in disbelief as the ball smacked into the tape and stayed on Federer’s side of the court. “It was a big distraction,” said Federer. “I tell you that because it is very big! Perhaps I should have aimed at it – the target was bigger than the down-the-line court I had. It has happened sometimes in the past but not on a big stage like this.” And Federer is undoubtedly the man for the big stage; he won 90 per cent of points when his first serve went in and did not concede a single break. It was much more emphatic than the scoreline of 6-4, 7-6 suggested. “Turning it up the last few days got me in shape, now I think I’m in the tournament,” he said. “There’s no more turning back, just full steam ahead every match that comes.”