Words: Violet
Thursday, Andy Murray did his final public warm up for Wimbledon, to an adoring crowd in an exhibition match at the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club. Murray, who never looked in any trouble, defeated his opponent in a comfortable 6-2, 7-6 straight sets win. Friday, it was announced that in his first round match he will take on 23-year old Belgium David Goffin, a player who is currently ranked at 104 in the world. So the stage is set for another incredible year at SW19, but will the defending champion be able to replicate his record-breaking result from last year? We think he will, and here’s why.
PHYSICALLY, MURRAY FEELS IN BETTER SHAPE THAN HE DID LAST YEAR, Speaking at the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic on Thursday, Murray described his thoughts about his physical condition going into this year’s competition. “My body feels better than it did last year. I was struggling with my back for a good couple of years. I’ve had the surgery and I hope that will make a difference this year.” “The last couple of days I’ve been moving well. I’ve practised with [Jo-Wilfried] Tsonga and [Grigor] Dimitrov and I had a good match here today. I’m feeling good.”
THE DRAW HAS BEEN KIND TO MURRAY, Though, of course, with Rafael Nadal being back on incredible form, the competition at this year’s Wimbledon is strong. However, that being said, Murray’s Wimbledon draw has been relatively favourable. Helped by the fact that the British No 1 has been seeded No 3 for the competition (the All England Club give greater weight to past grass-court performances), if he were to progress successfully through the tournament, Murray will meet either 7th seed David Ferrer or 11th seed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter final. The semis would see him face Novak Djokovic and, lastly, World No 1 Rafael Nadal in the final.
LESS PRESSURE, Now he has won it, the Fred Perry shaped monkey on his back has gone forever. And Andy Murray will be very happy about this fact. So with all the ‘When will it happen?” questions finally answered, will this decrease the pressure on the 27-year old Scot. The experts think so. “It is going to be amazing for him,” comments John McEnroe. “To me there is a lot less pressure now. No one can ever say to him are you ever going to do it, how much pressure are you feeling?” This decrease in pressure can only be a good thing when Murray steps out on Centre Court.
Murray is due to play David Goffin on Centre Court on Monday, 1pm.
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