Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have been involved in some of the most brutal matches played on the tour. They have played against each other on 36 occasions, with the 23-time Grand Slam champion, winning 25 of those encounters. Surprisingly, the two finals they played at the Wimbledon Championships have gone in the favor of the local boy. While he was expected to challenge the Big Three, Murray unfortunately suffered a number of setbacks at the peak of his powers, especially facing major issues with his hip.
He had to undergo an intense surgery on his hip, after which he has not been able to generate the same quality of tennis he once did. However the Brit has certainly shown amazing character and mental fortitude in rehabilitating and returning to the tennis courts and John McEnroe has a lot of admiration for him. And according to the American, Murray can surprise everyone at the upcoming Wimbledon Championships.
Success for Andy Murray on grass this season
Interestingly, Andy will be entering the Wimbledon Championships this year in a better mindset, winning back-to-back grass court titles, the Surbiton Trophy and the Challenger trophy in Nottingham.
Reflecting on his recent success, former great John McEnroe feels that the Brit can be a dark horse at the Championships this year.
Speaking on Andy, the former American great mentioned,
“I put him in the top dozen players that understand what it takes to compete and do well on grass. So from that alone, if he gets a couple breaks here and there and gets going, who knows what could happen? Winning it, that’s a big ask, but you never know.”
Novak Djokovic is an inspiration
The three-time Wimbledon champion also felt that Andy drew inspiration from Djokovic. Both of them are arguably the oldest players competing in this tournament. After all the difficulties Murray has been through, it is commendable on him competing amongst the top players at this point in time during his career.
Speaking on Andy’s determination, McEnroe added, “I’m sure he’s been inspired by Novak [Djokovic] because they are the same age [36] and look at this guy who looks like he’s 25. So they do crazy things now with the medical people. I didn’t know how he is even playing in the first place. So I’m amazed that he’s been able to get back and it’s been a long, hard road. I’m pulling for him to do something.”
Speaking on the Championships, Djokovic will be the firm favorite, having won the Australian Open and the French Open titles already this year. On Murray’s front, he will be entering the tournament unseeded and will certainly have a huge task ahead of him.
