Andy Murray might not have won as many Grand Slams as the ‘big three’, but he consistently proved to be a thorn in the side of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.
Murray had an excellent record over Federer, and he also tasted numerous successes against Djokovic and Nadal while they were on top of the sport.
The Scot captured three Grand Slam titles, as well as two Olympic medals, as well as over 40 more tournament wins.
Despite consistently losing out at the end of Grand Slams to Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal, the star said Fernando Gonzalez had the ‘biggest forehand in tennis’.
Andy Murray was wary of Fernando Gonzalez’s forehand
Murray had often struggled on clay courts during the early days of his career, but by 2009 he was beginning to show signs of promise.
The star reached his first Roland Garros quarter-final that year, but met an inspired Gonzalez who beat the Scot 6-3 3-6 6-0 6-4 to end his campaign.
Despite the loss, Murray was typically magnanimous in defeat and was full of praise for his Chilean counterpart.
Where does Andy Murray rank among the best players in tennis?
Murray said: “He was spanking winners. You can’t do a whole lot about that. He’s got the biggest forehand in tennis.”
Gonzalez never won a Grand Slam in his career, but he did reach a career-high ranking of world number five in 2007.
The star was knocked out in the Roland Garros semi-final by Robin Soderling, which was his best performance at the tournament.
Gonzalez did reach the final of a Grand Slam at the 2007 Australian Open, but he lost to Federer in straight sets.
What Andy Murray said his best shot in tennis was
The British star was asked what he thought his best trait was in an interview with The New York Times in 2022.
Murray revealed: “If I had to choose a stroke it would probably be my lob, which has won me quite a few points over the years.”
The Scot famously confirmed Great Britain’s first Davis Cup in 79 years by lobbing David Goffin in the final point.
That wasn’t the only attribute Murray was pleased with throughout his illustrious tennis career, with the star also praising his own determination.
He added: “Or my determination, which has enabled me to come back from serious injury and keep on improving”.
