Andy Murray puts work-shy Britain to shame

Could there be a better advert for hard work and sheer determination than Sir Andy Murray? Despite being five years shy of his 40th birthday and having had his hip resurfaced in 2019, the tennis sensation endured the longest match of his career in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Emerging victorious after taking Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis to a six-hour, five-set thriller in the second round of the Australian Open, the father of three, right, celebrated the win by saying: “I want to get to bed now.”

By the time the match ended it was 4.05am. (Sir Andy was right to question the scheduling, pointing out the ridiculousness of expecting ball kids, umpires and officials to work through the night – let alone players.)

What I love about this extraordinary athlete is his steadfast refusal to give in to the injuries that have plagued his career. The unflinching resolve he has shown in not only overcoming what, to most, would be a career-ending injury, but also continuing to compete at the sport’s highest level is nothing short of inspirational. It was in Melbourne, four years earlier, when he thought it was all over due to his persistent hip problems: now he’s back into the third round of a Grand Slam competition.

“I’ve got a big heart,” said Murray after his triumph, which was the 11th time he has come back to win from two sets down.

What this man has is an unparalleled work ethic and an exceptional amount of resilience. I cannot think of a better sporting role model for our children.