Murray’s protege Mchugh reaches quarter-finals

Andy Murray may not be at the Australian Open this year but his influence is being keenly felt.

Murray’s latest protege, Aidan Mchugh, has reached the quarter-finals of the boys’ singles. It is the furthest the 17-year-old has progressed at a slam, with his latest victory a 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 win over Czech 14th seed Ondrej Styler. Mchugh, pictured, was one of the first players signed by Murray’s 77 management agency after the former world No 1 got to know his countryman when he practised with him at Wimbledon last year.

The Bearsden teenager said: “It’s definitely really good. The main thing being the connection I’ve got with Andy and how helpful he is. The whole point is that some of the mistakes he made when he was younger, he tries to help make sure I don’t make any of those mistakes.” Murray has been sending fire emojis from his home in Surrey to congratulate Mchugh on his progress, while Jamie Murray has been cheering on the youngster court-side. “It’s nice having that support. It keeps you on your toes, that they’re watching,” said Mchugh, who plays Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the last eight today.