Wawrinka is a tricky first hurdle for Murray
ANDY MurraY has received a blast from the past after being handed the most awkward of first-round tasks at the French Open against Stan Wawrinka.
The barrel-chested Swiss was the last player the 33-year-old Scot met at roland Garros in what was the final match he played before his career was engulfed by hip problems.
Murray was edged out in five sets in that 2017 semi-final and it was during the grass-court season that followed when his niggling troubles first became apparent.
Wawrinka, 35, has also experienced difficulty to do with his knees in the meantime, but he has recovered sufficiently to stand at 17 in the world. His post-lockdown form has been poor, although he will be a formidable opponent when it most matters.
after Kyle Edmund withdrew due to a recurrence of knee problems — which are not believed to be long-term — Dan Evans is the highest-ranked British male in the draw, and he will face the unseeded Kei Nishikori.
Of wider significance in the men’s draw was that No3 seed Dominic Thiem was placed in rafael Nadal’s half, which will not disappoint Novak Djokovic.
Jo Konta, semi-finalist last year, has also received a tough first-round draw against 16-year-old american Coco Gauff on her Paris debut.
Meanwhile, Britain’s men’s singles entry was boosted by Liam Broady winning his final qualifying round, where he was supported by Murray.
The autumnal rain fell steadily at roland Garros yesterday, but that did not stop Murray trekking out to Court Three and cheering on the 26-year-old from Stockport in one of the biggest matches of his life.
It seemed to do the trick, as Broady ended up beating higher-ranked australian Marc Polmans 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 to come through a Grand Slam preliminary draw for the first time in 12 attempts.
‘He often gives me a bit of stick, but I was very appreciative of him coming out to support,’ said Broady, who was given a socially-distanced volley of congratulations by Murray as soon as he left the court.
‘I started pretty badly and then andy showed up. When a great player like him is watching, I think it can be a bit disconcerting for your opponent when they aren’t used to it. He helped me out a lot today.’
Broady said that the ‘Battle of the Brits’ events at roehampton had engendered a strong spirit among those playing at the highest level of the tour in singles and doubles.
‘We’ve a couple of Whatsapp groups going and it helps drive you on. We are giving each other tactical information about opponents,’ he said.
The guaranteed £55,000 for playing in the first round makes a huge difference to someone whose earnings are limited, even at the best of times.