The rising star under Murray’s wing
Scottish star helps young protégé make an instant impact in Wimbledon’s junior championship
ONE is a two-time Wimbledon champion, the other a 16-year-old making his debut at the All England Club.
But the friendship between Andy Murray and young talent Aidan McHugh has had surprising benefits for both during this year’s tournament.
The teenager began his Wimbledon career yesterday with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win against American Gianni Ross in the first round of the Wimbledon mbledon junior championship.
Even before his victory, ory, the rising star from Glasgow had caughtaught the attention of the world number mber one, who trained with the teenager eenager three times on the Wimbledonbledon practice courts this week. k.
Murray has taken it upon himself to be a role model del to the next generation, but the practice sessions also helpedlped improve his own fitness as he recovered from a hip injury. ury.
Aidan began playing at the age of five in his local club in Glasgow, Dowanhill Tennis Club, where he became involved in team m matches with his brother. His parents rents took him to Brant Lak Lake Camp, New York, a seven-weekse sports camp wherewhe Aidan spent his summerssumm until he was 13.
He went ono to win a grade two tournament in SpainS last year as wellwe as making it to the semifinals of a grade one competitionco in Germany this year. The youngsteryou is hopinghop to makema a success of t the Wimbledon Junior championships after being entered into the first round on a wild card, but his family said his training had to take a back seat until he completed his Scottish higher exams on June 1.
Aidan has credited his school, St Aloysius College, with helping him juggle his tennis with his studies. Writing on his school website, he said: “Because the school encourages you to make the most of your talents, it’s easier for me to dedicate time to tennis. But I understand the importance of doing well. The teachers help me fit my work in around my training rather than the other way around.
“The dream is one day playing in – and hopefully winning – Wimbledon. Who knows if I’ll achieve that dream but I’m having a great time trying and I’ll always be grateful to have a school and family that supports me in that.”
Aidan has attracted the attention of both Jamie and Andy Murray, and has spent time training with the elder in Miami and Monte Carlo.
Murray, who received a rapturous welcome as he made a surprise appearance in the Royal Box yesterday, has made an effort to engage with the next generation after rising star Dan Evans tested positive for cocaine, leading Murray to say the British number three had “blown” his career and let down those around him. Murray said: “With guys like Aidan [McHugh], I practise with them whenever I can. If I can help them a little bit, that’s great.”