Erste Bank Open: Andy Murray wants to go back to the old top level
At his press conference in the run-up to the Erste Bank Open on Sunday, three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Vienna tournament winner Andy Murray spoke about the hard way back, his achievements in recent tournaments and the development of British tennis.
by PM
last edit: Oct 24, 2021, 08:53 pm
Congratulations on the last achievements. How far are you from the old level?
Of course I'm not there yet. I haven't played that much in the past few years, so it will be a while before I get back there. But in the end it was better. The grass tournaments and the US Open weren't that great yet. Since then it has got better with every week. Not perfect, but I had chances in most games, which I definitely didn't during the grass season. Against Diego Schwartzman, who is in good shape, I played well this week in Antwerp. I lost to good players, but they also played well. But of course I want to get back to the level I used to be at.
The first round in Vienna is against Hubert Hurkacz from Poland, against whom you have already lost twice this year. What's missing to hit him?
I would have to be more “clinical”, use my possibilities more concentrated. If I get an opportunity, I have to take it. When you play against top players, you don't get that many chances. The ones you get have to be played to the end with concentration.
British tennis has taken off in a big way. How big is your influence on it?
I have no idea. You have to ask the other players that. What they achieved was perhaps a little unexpected. Maybe less for Cam Norrie, he had a great season and has now also won at Indian Wells. It's unbelievable how Emma Raducanu showed herself in her triumph at the US Open despite her youth. Some people were scared for British tennis when I was injured. But there are some good young players out there. It's going in the right direction.
It's amazing to be seen at the Australian Open in 2019 and now you're playing with a metal hip. It looked like you were stepping down at the time.
I talked to my team. At that time I didn't have any fun anymore, every day got on my nerves, I felt uncomfortable and had no more fun. In the run-up to the Australian Open, I tried to enjoy every moment, but it was tough because I was still not feeling very comfortable. I was basically done for. It's all the more fascinating how I've now worked my way back. I can and still want to keep up with the top players.
What do you think the British team will do in the Davis Cup?
We have a strong team. Daniel Evans and Cameron Norrie are both in the top 25 - not many teams have that sort of thing. Our double pairings are also very good. Personally, I've been planning tournaments for almost two months now. I'm not the youngest anymore, so it would be difficult for me. Davis Cup is always very exhausting, I know that from the past. When you play for your country there is always extra pressure - you don't want to disappoint anyone. Sometimes in these situations I might have given in and played too easily, even though it wasn't the best decision for me personally.
How would you rank your two Olympic gold medals in your career?
It's something that a lot of people would like to have. Not so many athletes succeed in winning an Olympic gold medal. You understand how important this is and what a big thing it is.