STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Former world number one Andy Murray claimed his second top 10 win in two weeks on Wednesday (Nov 10) with a straight sets victory over top-seeded Jannik Sinner in Stockholm. Three-time major winner Murray clinched a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win against the world number 10 to move into the quarter-finals. Murray had also defeated Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, now at nine in the world, in Vienna. "It was a very tough match. He hits the ball huge from the back of the court so there were a lot of long rallies and a lot of running," Murray told atptour.com. "But it's probably my best win this season. I want to keep it going now." Murray, now ranked a lowly 143 in the world, will face Tommy Paul of the United States for a place in the last-four. Paul defeated American compatriot and fifth seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. Defending champion and third seed Denis Shapovalov defeated Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori 7-6 (7/1), 6-1. Shapovalov will next face France's Arthur Rinderknech, who won 6-4, 6-1 against lucky loser Jozef Kovalik of Slovakia. US Open quarter-finalist Botic van de Zandschulp defeated Hungarian seventh seed Marton Fucsovics 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 7-5. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Murray battles to opening victory in Stockholm Related Story Tennis: Just a matter of time before I break through, says Murray
STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Andy Murray came through a tense second-set tie-break to edge out Norwegian qualifier Viktor Durasovic in the Stockholm Open first round on Tuesday (Nov 9). The former world number one needed three match points and saved a set point in the breaker to win 6-1, 7-6 (9/7). The injury-hit 34-year-old, still bidding to climb from his current lowly ranking of 143, will face Italian top seed Jannik Sinner in the last 16. Murray, playing on a wildcard, is hoping to bounce back this week from the disappointment of his tight opening loss to German Dominik Koepfer in last week's Paris Masters. He was still a hot favourite against world number 354 Durasovic and raced through the first set. The three-time Grand Slam champion broke in the opening game of the second, but Durasovic battled back. He managed to stave off two match points in the tie-break but could not take a set point when leading 7-6 and Murray did enough to seal an enticing encounter with rising star Sinner. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Just a matter of time before I break through, says Murray Related Story Tennis: Murray supports restrictions on unvaccinated players at Australian Open
INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA (REUTERS) - Andy Murray does not feel bad taking wildcards away from younger players given all he achieved in tennis before missing time due to hip surgeries, he said on Wednesday (Oct 6) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Critics suggest wildcards are better suited to up-and-coming players but Briton Murray, a three-times Grand Slam champion and former world number one who had hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019, feels otherwise. "After what I've gone through the last three, four years and what I've achieved for the game beforehand, I don't feel like I need to justify the reasons for why I should get wildcards," Murray, 34, told reporters. Among the other wildcard recipients for the hardcourt event at Indian Wells are British teenager and US Open champion Emma Raducanu and 38-year-old Belgian Kim Clijsters, a former women's world number one and four-times Grand Slam winner. Murray, who is far from the tournament-winning form he enjoyed during the mid-2010s, has fallen to 121st in the world rankings. The twice Olympic champion said he is grateful to have the opportunity to compete as a wildcard. "I'd rather get in by right, obviously, but then I could also argue that for three years I was out injured when I would have rightfully been entered into all of these tournaments," Murray said. "I would've been ranked at the top of the game and would've been getting into all of these tournaments so (other) players would have obviously had the opportunity to take that spot for the last three seasons or whatever." Murray, whose best result at the ATP Masters 1000 event is a runner-up finish in 2009, will play 51st-ranked Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in his opening match at Indian Wells.
METZ, FRANCE (AFP) - Former world number one Andy Murray reached his first ATP quarter-final of the season on Wednesday (Sept 22) with a straight sets win over Canada's Vasek Pospisil at the Moselle Open. Murray, now ranked at 113, swept to a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory and will face either top seeded Hubert Hurkacz of Poland or French player Lucas Pouille for a place in the semi-finals. The 34-year-old Murray, who has undergone two hip surgeries in the last three years, broke the 66th-ranked Pospisil four times in his one-hour, 24-minute triumph to claim a fifth win in six meetings against the Canadian. On Tuesday, Murray had defeated France's 26th-ranked Ugo Humbert 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the first round. "This period has been the most tournaments I've played recently and my body feels good and I'm starting to gain just a little bit of confidence with each match," three-time Grand Slam title winner Murray told atptour.com. "There have been times in the past year where I've been a little bit confused and not seeing how the points are developing which for me was always a strong part of my game and it made me feel quite uncomfortable on the court when I was feeling that way. "I'm starting to get that back and the results are coming and my tennis is getting better." Meanwhile, Pouille defeated another Canadian, Brayden Schnur 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Germany's Peter Gojowczyk, who made the fourth round of the US Open as a qualifier, beat French lucky loser Antoine Hoang 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Andy Murray exits Rennes Challenger in second round Related Story Tennis: Murray 'lost respect' for Tsitsipas over delay 'nonsense' at US Open
NEW YORK (REUTERS) - American Rajeev Ram and Briton Joe Salisbury overcame a slow start to beat Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray 3-6 6-2 6-2 in the US Open men’s doubles final on Friday (Sept 10). Ram and Salisbury struggled with their serve in the opening set, with a collective four double faults as they got in slightly more than half of their first serves, as Murray and Soares took advantage with only one unforced error. However, the fourth seeds improved virtually every aspect of their game as the contest wore on, winning all but two first-serve points in the second set after immediately breaking Murray’s serve. Murray and Soares, who triumphed at Flushing Meadows and the Australian Open in 2016, saved three break points in the opening game of the third set before Ram and Salisbury converted at the fourth attempt before breaking again in the seventh game. The 2020 Australian Open champions fired down five aces and 22 winners in the third set as they wrapped up the victory. “To have won this with Rajeev is amazing – it’s a dream come true,” said Salisbury, playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time in his career. “He’s been, the last three years, an incredible partner.” It was the third time that the pair have reached the final of a Grand Slam together. “I can’t ask for a better partner,” said Ram, who also has two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles to his name. “It’s been just the most unbelievable ride... and we’re not going to stop now.” The match wrapped up minutes before drama unfolded in the women’s competition, as Luisa Stefani and Gabriela Dabrowski were forced to retire from their semi-final against Americans Coco Gauff and Caty McNally after Stefani left the court with an apparent knee injury. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Qualifier Emma Raducanu to face Leylah Fernandez in all-teen US Open women's final Related Story Tennis: Who are US Open teen sensations Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez?
NEW YORK (REUTERS) - Former champion Andy Murray has been added to the main draw of the US Open following the withdrawal of Swiss Stan Wawrinka, tournament organisers said on Monday (Aug 9). Murray, who had hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019, has only played a handful of ATP Tour-level events this year having missed the Australian Open because of a positive Covid-19 test and opting out of competing at the French Open. The 34-year-old Murray reached the third round at Wimbledon but withdrew from the men's singles tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on the advice of his medical team, dashing his hopes for a third consecutive gold medal. Murray, who won the first of his three career Grand Slam titles at the 2012 US Open, did represent Britain in the men's doubles event in Tokyo where he lost in the quarter-finals. At last year's US Open, Murray suffered a straight-sets loss in the second round to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Wawrinka, who captured the last of his three career Grand Slam titles at the 2016 US Open, withdrew as he continues to recover from foot surgery. The 36-year-old former world number three underwent an operation on his left foot this year and has not played on the tour since an opening round defeat at the Qatar Open in March. The US Open runs from Aug 30-Sept 12. More on this topic Related Story Olympics: Defending champion Andy Murray out of Olympics singles with injury Related Story Tennis: Murray, Korda given wildcards into ATP Cincinnati Masters
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray of Britain and 21-year-old American were given wildcards spots into the ATP Cincinnati Masters tournament on Tuesday (Aug 3), organisers announced. The event, the final major tuneup for the US Open, will begin Aug 14. It was moved to New York last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Two-time Cincinnati champion Murray, a former world number one ranked 105th, reached the third round at Wimbledon last month, losing to Canada's Denis Shapovalov. The 34-year-old Scotsman, who owns 46 ATP titles, won the 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon titles as well as the 2012 US Open and the 2012 and 2016 Olympic singles gold medals. Korda, who won his first ATP title in May at Parma, is the son of former Czech star Petr Korda. He reached a career high of 45th in the latest rankings after reaching the fourth round last month in his Wimbledon debut. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Zverev eyes US Open after Olympic triumph Related Story Tennis: Osaka, Medvedev named top seeds for Canadian events
LONDON (AFP) - Andy Murray suffered his earliest Wimbledon exit in 16 years on Friday (July 2) when the two-time champion was knocked out in the third round by world number 12 Denis Shapovalov. Murray, who has been battling a lengthy fight against hip and groin injuries and is now ranked at 118, went down 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. It was the first time the 2013 and 2016 champion had lost in the third round since his debut as an 18-year-old in 2005. Canadian 22-year-old Shapovalov will face Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the quarter-finals. "I told Andy at the net that he is my hero," said Shapovalov. Former world number one Murray, taking part in the singles tournament for the first time since 2017, was playing just his eighth match on the main tour in 2021. He had needed five sets to beat German qualifier Oscar Otte on Wednesday night under the Centre Court roof. However, against Shapovalov, 12 years his junior, Murray's famous steely competitive edge was not enough. The Canadian left-hander stormed to a 5-1 lead in the first set before Murray gallantly clawed his way back to 5-4. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into Wimbledon last 16 after rocky third set Related Story Tennis: Jabeur casts spell over Muguruza to reach Wimbledon last 16 Shapovalov held his nerve to take the opener and was soon 4-0 up in the second set which he comfortably pocketed. As darkness fell, the Centre Court roof was closed but Murray, desperately short of matches in just his second event since March, went down to defeat on Shapovalov's 13th ace of the tie. "Andy's achievements aside, to come back from injury and to be able to play a first set like that, it was super intense," said Shapovalov after firing 45 winners to Murray's 16. "It's incredible for him to get to the third round and to see what he can do."
LONDON (REUTERS) - Twice champion Andy Murray survived a third-set meltdown to beat Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3 on Monday in his first singles match at Wimbledon for four years. Back on the hallowed Centre Court turf on which he became a British sporting icon, the 34-year-old delighted his fans as he rolled back the years, producing vintage shot-making to lead by two sets and 5-0 in the third. Basilashvili, the 24th seed, looked down and out but the drama had only just begun as Murray tightened up and his lead began to shrink. Initially, it looked like being only a glitch but when two match points went begging as Basilashvili served at 3-5, Murray began to resemble a man with his arm set in concrete. Tension filled the air as the crowd tried to lift the former world number one who lost seven successive games to send the match into a fourth set. Basilashvili had recovered from two sets down to beat Britain's James Ward in the first round in 2019 and with nagging doubts about Murray's physical condition after playing only a handful of top-level matches this year a repeat looked possible. With darkness descending over the All England Club, the players left the court while the sliding roof was closed and lights switched on to enable the match to be completed. The interruption had a rejuvenating effect on Murray who returned to break serve to love in the first game of the fourth. Basilashvili broke back immediately with a piercing backhand down the line but then dropped his serve to love again. Murray had chances for a 4-1 lead in the fourth but Basilashvili dug in to stay in touch and the Georgian then had a break point to get back to 4-4. But Murray saved that with a delicate drop shot and pushed hard to win the match on Basilashvili's next service game. Basilashvili saved a third match point with a sweet winner but at the fourth time of asking Murray got the job done when his opponent sent a backhand into the net. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Murray to miss Dubai after birth of fourth child Related Story Tennis: Andy Murray pulls out of Miami Open with groin injury
LONDON (REUTERS) - Murray Walker, the infectiously excitable television commentator who became the voice of Formula One for generations around the English-speaking world, died on Saturday (March 13) at the age of 97. The news was announced by the Silverstone-based British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), of which he was an associate member. "A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation's favourite commentator and a contagious smile. We thank Murray for all he has done for our community," it said. Walker's 'Murrayisms' - wide of the mark predictions which stood out like crashed gears and the squeal of rubber - entertained BBC and ITV viewers in the days before pay TV and a fragmented audience. Australian writer Clive James, a fan of the sport, once famously described him as a man broadcasting as if his trousers were on fire. Autosport magazine, in a tribute when he announced his retirement in 2000, said Walker had "done possibly more to popularise motor racing in Britain than anyone else. (James) Hunt, (Nigel) Mansell and (Damon) Hill included". Those champions also forged close bonds with the commentator. "Unless I'm very much mistaken... and yes I am very much mistaken," was classic Walker. The first part became the title of his 2002 autobiography. "And now excuse me while I interrupt myself", "The first four cars are both on the same tyres", "Tambay's hopes, which were absolutely nil before, are absolutely zero now" are utterances still savoured. "I imagine that the conditions in those cars today are totally unimaginable" and "There's nothing wrong with the car except it's on fire" also stood out. Walker, who started out in advertising, was also an enthusiast of the sport who could draw on personal memories going back to the birth of the F1 world championship in 1950. "Everyone inside F1 loves him. And that is because he loves the sport. His enthusiasm is so real," the late team owner Ken Tyrrell once said of his compatriot. Walker was immersed in motor racing from his earliest years as the son of motorcycle champion Graham Walker and gave his first commentary at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb in 1948. "Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend," said Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle.
Bilbao to face Barca in Super Cup final MALAGA • Athletic Bilbao forward Raul Garcia scored twice in a 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Thursday to knock the holders out of the Spanish Super Cup and set up a final against Barcelona. Garcia, who was sent off during a 3-1 defeat by Real last month, made the most of two errors from Real's Lucas Vazquez to net twice in the first half before Karim Benzema pulled one back for Real. Bilbao meet Barca tomorrow in Seville in a repeat of the 2015 final, which the Basques won 5-1 on aggregate. REUTERS Murray must test negative to compete MELBOURNE • Health chiefs vowed yesterday there will be no preferential treatment for Andy Murray, saying he must return a negative Covid-19 test if he wants to play the Australian Open. The Scot was due to travel to Melbourne, but revealed on Thursday he had tested positive for the virus. He is now isolating at home in London. Victorian state Health Minister Martin Foley has said that Murray will be subject to the same "rigorous arrangements" as everyone else should he make the trip to Australia. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Rooney retires, now full-time Derby boss LONDON • Manchester United and England great Wayne Rooney ended his illustrious playing career yesterday to take up the job of managing Championship side Derby on a full-time basis. The second-tier English club confirmed that the 35-year-old former forward had agreed on a permanent deal until 2023, having succeeded Phillip Cocu on an interim basis in November. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE