Andy Murray, two-time Wimbledon champion, jokingly admitted that his tennis is “diabolical nowadays” as he officially opened the newly named Andy Murray Arena at Queen’s Club.
Before a packed crowd, Murray was given a ballgirl guard of honour and played a few points with former player Laura Robson, tournament director, and two local schoolchildren. Despite the warm reception, Murray was candid about his game, acknowledging that it had slipped since his retirement after the Paris Olympics last year.
“This is great,” Murray said. “I obviously miss being out here. This is the first time I haven’t been involved in a grass-court season for a while. But I’ve got a new life now, and I’m enjoying being away from the sport a little bit. My tennis is diabolical nowadays, so apologies for what you’re about to witness, but I’ll give it a go.”
Murray has enjoyed significant success at Queen’s, winning five ATP singles titles at the prestigious west London club. He expressed his gratitude for having the centre court renamed in his honour.
“This tournament, and this court, has had many special moments for me as a player,” he said. “This was where I won my first ATP Tour match, and it’s been my most successful event. I always love coming back here at the start of the British summer. I’m very proud of the results I have here and I’m very grateful to whoever decided to name the stadium after me.”
Although Murray now spends a lot of time working on his golf game, where he has a low single-figure handicap, he revealed he fell short in his local club championship. “I was tied second going into the final day, but I didn’t get it done. I’ll come back and try again,” he said.
Minutes before the first women’s tournament at Queen’s Club since 1973 began, Murray expressed excitement. “I think it’s brilliant,” he said. “I just met the last winner here, Olga Morozova, who actually coached me when I was 12 or 13. She won here 52 years ago, which is incredible. This court has had many great matches, and I think it’s a great chance for the women to showcase themselves.”
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