Don’t call me Sir Andy, says world No. 1 Murray

MELBOURNE: Andy Murray said there was no need to call him “Sir” as he took a relaxed approach to his new status as a knight of the realm and world No. 1 at the Australian Open.

The laconic Scot said just being called “Andy” was fine despite a decision by Australia’s Channel Seven to refer to him as “Sir Andy Murray” at the tournament.

“I’m more than happy just being Andy. That’s enough for me,” he said. “Yeah, if they call me ‘Andy’, that’s cool. I’d be happy with that.”

Murray is entering his first Grand Slam since being knighted in Britain’s New Year Honours, and his first as world No. 1 after he displaced Novak Djokovic late last season.

He appears to have taken both titles in his stride, insisting he didn’t feel anyone was treating him differently since he was crowned the world’s top player.

“I haven’t really noticed it. It kind of happened for me right at the end of the year, so I haven’t been on the Tour much as the No. 1 player,” he said.

“So I haven’t noticed it yet. I don’t know if that will come over time, if I’m able to stay there or not.”

More importantly, Murray is pondering how to win his first Australian Open title after being an unsuccessful finalist five times.

Last year’s appearance was torrid for Murray, as his wife Kim Sears was heavily pregnant with their first child and his father-in-law collapsed while watching a match.

“It was a tough tournament,” said Murray, who seriously considered pulling out and bolted for the airport after losing the final to Djokovic in straight sets.

“It was like I want to be at home for the birth but then I’m not just going to leave whilst my father-in-law is also in hospital,” he added. “Yeah, it was tough, and certainly not a position I would want to put myself in again, or my wife, or any of my family really.”

This time around, Murray is in a far happier position and he will approach his opening match against Ukraine’s Ilya Marchenko in a relaxed frame of mind.

As well as becoming a father, he won his second Wimbledon title and successfully defended his Olympic singles gold medal, before reaching world No. 1 for the first time.

“I obviously feel pretty confident after the way that last season finished,” he said.

“I do love it here. I love the conditions. I have played really well here over the years, and just haven’t managed to obviously get over the final hurdle.

“But I think I’m in a decent position to do it. I think I have a chance to win here. Obviously nothing’s guaranteed. But yeah, why not?”