Andy Murray reveals ‘best’ thing about Indian Wells victory
Andy Murray has won his third match of the season at Indian Wells, with the 36-year-old revealing what he was most happy with in the victory over David Goffin.
Murray beat Goffin, 6-3 6-2, to continue his 100% record against the former world No.7.
The Brit has won all eight of his meetings against Goffin, that includes winning all 17 sets against the Belgian.
And Murray spoke about what he enjoys about the head-to-head, “It’s a match-up that I’ve enjoyed over the years. We play a similar kind of tennis but I’m a bit bigger and I’m able to serve maybe a bit faster and get more free points. I’ve always played quite well against him.”
The former No.1 continued to praise his own serve, claiming it was the best he has ever served in all 16 appearances at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
“For me it was the serve,” Murray answered when asked about what helped him claim victory. “That frees up a lot of the rest of my game. When you’re always having to fight and work for points on your own serve, you feel more under pressure but today I got a lot of free points off my serve.
“That freed me up in the return games and I was able to strike the ball well from the back of the court, defended well when I had to.”
Murray added, “That’s the best I’ve served here. I’ve always struggled serving, certainly the last 10 years or so when I’ve been here for whatever reason. Today felt much better.”
In the match against Goffin, Murray hit only four aces, but managed to win 85% of points on his first serve.
“He was almost like a second coach!” ????
A classic @andy_murray interview after his opening round @BNPPARIBASOPEN win
???? @SkySportsTennis
— LTA (@the_LTA) March 7, 2024
The world No.61 has recently suggested that he is only likely to continue playing until this summer, and revealed that it is ‘extremely difficult’ to keep up with the top players now.
“I would like to play for another 10, 15 years, but it’s not easy with the body,” explained Murray. “To keep up with these young guys now is extremely difficult but while I’m still out here I’ll compete as best as I can and hopefully put on more performances like that.”
It will not get any easier for Murray, who will now play fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the second round on Friday.
Inside the baseline…
It was a very impressive performance from Andy Murray, who appears to be finding some form as the season goes on. Obviously the matchup with David Goffin favours Murray, but it could also be due to the fact that there is an end date in sight for his career now, even if it is not completely confirmed as of yet. Hopefully Murray can produce a similar level against Andrey Rublev, and the Brit will need to if he wants to make it competitive.
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