Andy Murray resilience hailed by Andy Roddick after Tomas Machac Miami Open defeat - ‘The fight is still there’
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Published 25/03/2024 at 09:12 GMT
There was another valiant tournament exit from Andy Murray following his three-set defeat to Tomas Machac on Sunday. The Scot showed his typical grit and determination in a bid to secure a last-16 berth, but ultimately bowed out in Miami. His gutsy display was praised by 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick, who hailed Murray's ability to keep going despite ongoing injury struggles.
Murray v Machac - Miami Open highlights
Andy Roddick hailed Andy Murray’s resilience after the Brit bowed out of the Miami Open with a hard-fought third-round defeat to Tomas Machac.
The former world No.1 battled hard in his quest for a last-16 place after winning the first set and moving two points ahead in the third-set tie-break, but the Czech progressed.
Despite his exit, Murray could come away with the positive of putting together back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
“Since 2019 with the hip issue, he would tell you that he's not been the same,” said Roddick in an interview with the Tennis Channel.
“But the guts of him has been the same. Even if he used to turn these matches and pull them, lately, he hasn't been able to.
“The drama is still there, the fight is still there. In a way, this compromised version of Murray almost adds to his legacy with the way he's grinded out the last four or five years.
“I certainly respect it; I don't know if I or a lot of us could've done it. So, props to him if it is the last time we see him in Miami. It's been a hell of a run, pal.”
Following his defeat to Ugo Humbert in Dubai last month, Murray revealed he is likely to retire from tennis later this year.
However, he is hoping to do so after playing for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics and making an appearance at Wimbledon.
There is plenty of shared admiration for Murray, with Carlos Alcaraz adding to the plaudits for the three-time Grand Slam winner.
Murray posted on X that ‘watching Alcaraz play tennis makes me smile,’ and the Spaniard was clearly overjoyed by the Brit’s kind words.
“He's great; I said many times that I only play for myself or my team, but it's nice when people enjoy watching my matches,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“It's pretty cool and it's even better if a legend like Andy said he enjoys watching my matches. It's crazy for me because he's seen a lot of tennis in his career, as well as a lot of matches and players.
“These words from him are great and I try to play this in every match.”
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