Murray ready for more Oly glory
Scot offers rare insight
LONDON, July 28, (AFP): Andy Murray has revealed the secret behind the personalised notes that fuelled his Wimbledon triumph and will inspire his bid for more Olympic glory.
Murray was often seen reading a sheet of paper in breaks between games as he marched to a historic second Wimbledon title in July. The Scot offered a rare insight into the motivational scribblings after his success at the All England Club.
The 29-year-old, who has worked with a sports psychologist in the past, writes down important aspects of his game-plan to focus on during each match and sprinkles in inspirational reminders of his qualities.
As Murray prepares to defend the Olympics singles gold medal he won so memorably in London four years ago, the world number two will again turn to his notes for guidance in Rio.
“They’re personal notes. Some of them stay the same the whole time. They’re basic things I remind myself to do during the matches,” Murray said.
“When I play my best tennis I feel like I’m doing these things.
“They would be like, Make sure you’re moving your feet when you’re nervous. People have a tendency when they’re nervous to not move, not use their legs.
“I think when I play my best tennis, I
TENNIS
do this, X, Y and Z, whatever it is on the notes. Then I have some notes of the tactics for the match.
“Sometimes when you’re in the heat of a second set tie-break in a slam final, it’s easy to forget exactly what you’re trying to do.
“Sometimes I just look at the tactics that I’ve written down for the match. I refer to them at change of ends. I find it helps me.”
Murray’s notes are typical of the perfectionist nature of the British star, who will travel to Brazil refreshed after a long break in the aftermath of his draining fortnight at Wimbledon.
His imperious march to the title culminated in a final victory over Milos Raonic which made him the first British man to win multiple All England Club crowns since Fred Perry in the 1930s.