Andy Murray has hailed his “perfect start to the grass season” because the three-time grand slam champion stepped up preparations for Wimbledon in profitable type.
The 36-year-old Murray turned the oldest grass-court champion at an ATP Challenger Tour occasion, beating Austrian Jurij Rodionov 6-3 6-2 on Sunday within the closing of the Lexus Surbiton Trophy in London to earn a seeded place at Wimbledon subsequent month.
It was his first singles title on grass since profitable Wimbledon in 2016.
Murray withdrew from the French Open to prioritise Wimbledon, the place he has gained two of his majors on grass.
“I’ve chosen to come and play here, and in Nottingham (next week) to hopefully get lots of matches under my belt – so this week has been the perfect start,” Murray mentioned.
Murray showcased a strong shot assortment which dismantled Rodionov in simply greater than an hour. Heavy rain suspended play through the second set earlier than Murray despatched down extra punishing serves to assert the win.
The downpour brought on a close to three-hour delay and meant Murray’s youngsters missed seeing him win.
“They didn’t tell me they were coming, then obviously I won the first set and my wife decided to bring (the kids) in case I won,” Murray mentioned.
“They arrived as the rain came and then left as they took the covers off. She messaged me saying, ‘Well done, we have just got home, I can’t believe we didn’t stay.'”
Wimbledon begins on July 3.
Murray was additionally fast to congratulate Novak Djokovic who gained a file twenty third grand slam title along with his French Open triumph.
“I’m not saying he makes it look easy but he makes it look a lot more easy than it should,” the Scot mentioned of Djokovic.
“I am happy for him, he deserves it. When he beat me in the final of the (2016) French Open he lost motivation so maybe he can take his eye off the ball for the next few weeks heading into Wimbledon!”
with PA
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
