Andy hails Cam as a role model
ANDY MURRAY confessed Cameron Norrie had taken him by surprise with his stunning season and Indian Wells triumph.
Norrie achieved something that has so far eluded Murray by claiming the unofficial ‘fifth major’ and is now ranked 16th in the world, having started the season at 71st, having won 47 matches.
Murray said: ‘I’d be lying if I said that I called that, to be honest. However, I have spent a decent amount of time around him and practised with him quite a lot and he works extremely hard.
‘I think he’s a great example for not just British players but all players to look at and go, “if you put the effort in day in, day out and properly dedicate yourself to the sport, have an attitude like he does, it can take you a long, long way”.
‘It was obviously a phenomenal achievement but I think maybe the season that he’s having is more impressive than that one week. Every week he’s winning matches, he’s played six finals, and this year he’s looking like he’s going to win more matches on the tour than he had in every season that he’d had beforehand combined.
‘So that shows you how much of an improvement he’s made. I knew he was good, but to be top 20 in the world and pushing for a spot in the Tour Finals is an incredible effort.’
Murray was speaking at the European Open in Antwerp, the scene of his last singles title in 2019, when he claimed an emotional victory over Stan Wawrinka in the final less than a year after hip resurfacing surgery.
Murray faces American Frances Tiafoe in his opening match today.