After finally discovering that Andy Murray has been off the Tour for two months with injury, Naomi Osaka was quick to show the love for the ATP player most beloved by WTA competitors.
“Murray’s such a great guy, such a tough competitor,” Japan’s former No. 1 said after reaching the second round of the Rome Masters.
“It’s really amazing the fact that he loves tennis so much and he keeps coming back.
“He’s had all these injuries. He’s kind of relentless, just his ability to keep playing matches at a high level.”
Four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka has had her share of long absences, pulling back from the Tour after feeling emotionally overwhelmed and later skipping all of 2023 for motherhood.
Murray has been on and off the circuit after his hip resurfacing half a decade ago and is currently plotting a return to the Geneva ATP event this month after last competing in March due to an ankle injury.
“When I think about Murray I think about the legacy that he leaves on tennis, obviously he’s done a lot for UK tennis.
“As a kid watching him on TV playing these amazing battles, he’s affected every tennis kid worldwide.”
Murray took a shortcut to popularity among WTA competitors after once working with former French Open winner Amelie Mauresmo as his main coach on the ATP.
He has also spoken out in favour of equal prize money and a rational, less intense season calendar.
Main photo:-Andy Murray practices with coach Amelie Mauresmo at US Open by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
