Andy Murray: I’m Sure Rafa Will Win The French Open A Few More Times Before He Retires
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Andy Murray agrees that what Rafael Nadal has done at the French Open – winning six of the last seven years – is one of the great achievements in the sport of tennis.
Speaking to the press Friday at the tournament, he elaborated on Nadal incredible run at Roland Garros.
“There are some great records in tennis. That’s obviously one of them,” Murray said of Nadal’s six French Opens. “I think the fact that he started at such a young age as well is what’s most impressive. I think probably since he’s been whatever. He won it when he was maybe 17 the first time, or 18. That, to me, is what’s been most impressive about it. It’s obviously still going, as well. So I’m sure he’ll have more great runs here. I’m sure he’ll win the event, you know, a few more times probably before he finishes.”
Murray also commented on Novak Djokovic’s bid for a fourth straight Grand Slam title, and achivement not seen in men’s tennis since Rod Laver in the 1960s.
“Yeah, it would be up there,” Murray said. “I mean, I don’t know. I don’t know. There’s a lot of records that guys have had in streaks. Guys have had incredibly impressive and very, very difficult things to do. So I don’t know which one is better than the other. But if he was able to do it, which I hope he’s not, it will be ‑‑ yeah, it would be an unbelievable effort.”
It’s been a up-and-down year for Murray. The Scot hired tennis great Ivan Lendl at the start of the season and immediately won Brisbane. But he’s failed to add to the trophy cabinet since and Murray’s now been struggling with a back injury that he says is better now.
“I feel fine,” Murray said of his back. “I have been here about close to a week now. Had some good practice and feel good.
“Hopefully the worst of it’s gone now. The next few months are very important to everybody this year. There’s a lot of big tournaments coming up. One of the goals in that period is to stay injury‑free, because if I am, then I’ll hopefully play some good tennis and have some good results.”
Murray has a semifinalist a year ago at the French Open losing a tough match to Nadal. He’ll play Tatsuma Ito in his first round match.
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