Andy Murray: My Grand Slam chances are running out

Andy Murray at the Battle of the Brits event at Roehampton. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty

Sir Andy Murray has said the cancellation of Wimbledon is a “shame” and acknowledged that, as an ageing player, his Grand Slam chances are numbered. But he advised young players that winning and losing were not crucial.

The double Wimbledon champion said: “Enjoying playing a sport and being active is the most important thing.”

His comments came during a surprise appearance at the Duchess of Cambridge’s virtual visit to a south London school, when he was asked by her if he missed playing matches.

Murray replied: “I think missing the big competitions, because I’m getting old for a tennis player, you never know how many opportunities you’re going to have left to play the biggest competitions. So missing Wimbledon this week is obviously a shame.”

During the video call, made last week to pupils from Bond Primary School in Mitcham, Kate asked: “Andy, have you got any tips for these guys if they want to take up tennis a bit more professionally?”

Murray, pictured, said: “The most important thing is to have fun.

“If you’re enjoying it, you get more out of your lessons and your practising.

“Listen to your coach, that’s very important. That’s the two most important things at your age.

“If you’re competing or playing any matches, try really hard in them,” added the Scot.

“But winning and losing isn’t the most important thing. Enjoying playing a sport and being active is the most important thing.

“If you do go on to choose it as your career, obviously the winning and losing changes a bit.”

Commenting on the Covid-19 pandemic, Murray added: “There’s been some challenges but I guess sometimes when you go through difficult moments like this you learn to appreciate the things you maybe took for granted sometimes?

“I’ll definitely make sure I spend more time with my family and friends when I get the opportunity.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director