I’d rather be an Andy than a Sir Murray admits knighthood will take some getting used to
Andy Murray marked his knighthood with a win yesterday then admitted it felt weird to be called “Sir”.
The world No.1’s New Year honour wasn’t a surprise but the Scot feels he’s too young at 29 to receive the accolade.
After beating Milos Raonic 6-3 7- 6 (8/6) at an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi the Wimbledon champ gave his first reaction to the news.
The Scot said: “I still feel like Andy Murray – that feels more normal – but I am happy with the knighthood and it is a nice way to start the new year.”
Murray lost his Abu Dhabi opener to David Goffin so was thrilled to bounce back against world No. 3 Raonic.
He added: “It was good to finish the year with a win. It was a good match to work on my returns as Milos has a strong serve.”
Murray won his last 24 matches of the season – and five titles – and will hope to pick up where he left off when he begins the new ATP Tour season at the Qatar Open in Doha.
His grandfather Roy Erskine insisted it’s “frightening” to think of him as Sir Andy.
He said: “It had been talked about for quite a while but suddenly it’s Hogmanay and the results are out and there he is. We are very proud of him.
“After his match today he said he will still be Andy Murray so that’s how he feels about it. It is frightening thinking of him being called Sir Andy Murray.
“He is young but it has happened and there will be a lot of reaction to if from a lot of people. We couldn’t be prouder of him.”
The tennis ace was among a number of high- prof i le sporting stars recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Olympic and Paralympic heroes Mo Farah and Lee Pearson were also knighted while Jessica Ennis-Hill and Katherine Grainger received damehoods.
Scots rower Grainger (41), the first female Olympian to win five medals at five Games, said: “It is an enormous honour and one I did not real ly expect.”
Four-time Olympic champ Farah, who successful ly defended his 5000m and 10,000m titles at the Rio games, said: “I’m so happy to be awarded this incredible honour from the country that has been my home since I moved here at the age of eight. “Looking back at the boy who arrived from Somalia, not speaking any English, I could never have imagined where I would be today – it’s a dream come true.
“I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to race for my country and win gold medals for the British people who have been my biggest supporters throughout my career.”