Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Murray’s agony
Tomorrow could be my last match
ROBERTO BAUTISTA AGUT will show no mercy to Andy Murray – even if their first round clash at the Australian Open is the Scot’s emotional farewell to the game.
The former world No.1 is hugely popular Down Under after reaching the final here five times – but losing each time.
Bautista Agut is expecting heavy support for Murray but said: “I’m used to it, I have played Davis Cup matches and many situations like this. I hope to enjoy the match like him, I will try my best. After Andy’s press conference, I think a lot of people will watch. There will be a lot of interest from all the press. Andy is one of the tennis legends in its history. He is one of the best tennis players in history.
“It’s going to be a nice experience for me, particularly to play Andy. I hope it’s a nice match. It’ll be a great experience to play against him in Australia in one of his last grand slam. I want to enjoy the experience
“Tomorrow I will be in a competition, to win my match and try everything to get the win. To be ready for a difficult match in these conditions, I will concentrate and try best I can.”
The Spaniard prepared for the first Grand Slam of the season by beating world No.1 Novak Djokovic on his way to winning the Qatar Open last week. Murray has predicted his own defeat in the first round but insisted he will try to “enjoy” perhaps his final ever match.
The Scot has been “very touched” by support from fans after announcing he will retire this year.
The double Olympic champion wants to say farewell at Wimbledon, but the pain in
I will be in a competition... and try everything to get the win
his hip could force him to stop after the first Slam of the season.
But Murray accepts his 13th appearance here will not last long. “It will be tough walking out for what could be my last match,” Murray said. “Lots of things have been weird. I know I’ve got no chance of winning the tournament and I know most likely I’m going to lose in the first round here.
“I’m not happy about that but, because of the way the last six months of competing has gone, I know that I could win but I know that it’s likely that I won’t.
“It’s going to uncomfortable because if it is my last match I want to try and enjoy it.”