BRUTAL.. BUT I’M READY
Lack of match practice won’t stop Andy
ANDY MURRAY will deal with the “brutal reality” of elite sport to make sure that he is at the Wimbledon startline tomorrow.
Fears had grown that Britain’s world No.1 and two-time SW19 champion might not be fit to play in his favourite tournament, after a hip injury wreaked havoc with his preparations.
But both he and head coach Ivan Lendl were all smiles as they walked off the practice courts at the All England Club yesterday, after Murray had hit again with young Scottish star Aidan Mchugh.
Murray had two further sessions, with Englishman Alex Ward and Aussie Matt Reid and will train again today.
The signs are that, while not in peak condition, he will be fit enough to face lucky loser Alexander Bublik on Centre Court tomorrow at 1pm.
Murray said: “The demands we put on our bodies on a daily basis are huge. It’s rare to find a player 100 per cent fit, but that’s the brutal reality of most elite sport. It’s about managing your body and your training as best you can – so that when the time comes you’re as ready as possible to perform at the highest level.
“Players going into a tournament with injuries and niggles is nothing new, and it happens frequently on the tour.
“The schedule is demanding and matches are tough on the body, so it’s often about recovery and getting yourself ready for the next match. Over the years I have entered plenty of tournaments with less than ideal preparation – you just need to find a way.”
A first-round exit at Queen’s, and an injury, mean Murray is short of match practice on his best surface. He added: “My preparation on grass hasn’t been great, but there’s nothing I can do to change that now.
“Queen’s has generally been good for my Wimbledon preparation and I’ve played some good matches and finals there. But I have also lost early at Queen’s and gone on to do well.”
This promises to be the most open race for the men’s title for some time, with Roger Federer the bookmaker’s favourite, although he has not lifted the crown since 2012.
Rafael Nadal is in red-hot form after winning his 10th French Open title – ‘La Decima’ – but has struggled on grass in recent years, while Novak Djokovic has suffered an alarming dip in form. Murray said: “They are probably three of the best players of all time and what they have achieved has been incredible, especially their ability to win under pressure.
“So far this year has been difficult, with injuries and illness, so it’s important that I get back to winning ways – and that’s all I am thinking about.
“The tour is incredibly competitive just now, and there are a lot of good young guys coming through – big-serving guys, who are going into matches with no fear, going for every ball. It’s great for the sport.”
Murray added: “You can’t worry about what other players are doing, you can only control what you do. I’ll give it everything I have over the next two weeks.”
Murray’s first obstacle, Bublik, will be cheered on by some of Russia’s top rap artists at Centre Court.
The tattooed 20-year-old Eminem fan said: “I can rap good. In my box for my match I’ve got some really famous rappers. Oxxxymiron will be here. I’ll be confident. Do I think I can win? Why not?”