Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said there’s “no need” to alter the tournament’s scheduling after the second latest finish at a Grand Slam. Photo: EPA/LUKAS COCH
What inspires Andy Murray to keep going on the ATP Tour?
Andy Murray says that he is inspired by fellow veterans Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet and their love of the sport.
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said there’s “no need” to alter the tournament’s scheduling after the second latest finish at a Grand Slam. Photo: EPA/LUKAS COCH
Former world number one Andy Murray says that he is inspired by fellow veterans Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet.
Murray has enjoyed a recent resurgence and says that seeing other old hands fight it out on the ATP Tour is a boost to him.
Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka bonded by pain
He says that he and Wawrinka share a bond thanks to their injury struggles.
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“Me and Stan always stayed in touch during the injuries,” Andy Murray told reporters at Indian Wells.
“I mean not daily but messages here and there.
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“We always got on very well together and obviously have shared the court many times with each other and stuff.
“We always sort of message each other and stayed in touch through the injuries.”
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The love of the game
Murray is also thrilled that Gasquet is still mixing it with the best and even won a tour title in Auckland this year.
He feels that having a great passion for the sport goes a long way in keeping the old legs moving.
“Gasquet, I was really happy for him when he won the tournament in Auckland earlier this year,” Andy Murray said.
“I think he maybe sometimes doesn’t get the respect he deserves.
“He’s been an incredible player for such a long time and just love seeing guys that maybe are not at their peak. But they’re still out there giving everything, competing because they love the sport.
“You know, I practiced with them last year at this tournament. I was chatting with Gasquet about it like ‘how long are you going to play’ and he was asking me.
“He was still saying he still loves playing and loves competing. That can take you a long way.
“He’s also an incredibly talented guy but you know, the love for the sport is still there clearly to be playing as well as he is at his age.”
