“The drama is still there, the fight is still there,” Andy Roddick praises Andy Murray after Miami Open defeat
For Andy Murray, it was again a story of being so close, yet so far. The three-time Grand Slam champion suffered a three-set defeat to Tomas Machac in the third round of the 2024 Miami Open. The Briton won the first set, and had multiple opportunities in the final set tiebreak to progress to the last 16.
Despite his third round loss, former American tennis player Andy Roddick has showered words of praise on Andy Murray. The 2003 US Open champion believes that despite his struggles with injury in the last five-six years, the grit and determination has remained the same.
“Since 2019 with the hip issue, he would tell you that he’s not been the same,” said Roddick in an interview. “But the guts of him has been the same. Even if he used to turn these matches and pull them, lately, he hasn’t been able to.”
Andy Roddick applauds Andy Murray for strengthening his legacy over the past four-five years
Andy Roddick has applauded Andy Murray for strengthening his legacy over the past couple of years. The former world number one has not been the same player as he was prior to the hip injury, however, he has never lacked the intensity on the court.
“The drama is still there, the fight is still there. In a way, this compromised version of Murray almost adds to his legacy with the way he’s grinded out the last four or five years. I certainly respect it; I don’t know if I or a lot of us could’ve done it. So, props to him if it is the last time we see him in Miami. It’s been a hell of a run, pal,” he added.
Andy Murray has already hinted at retiring this season, as he looks to compete for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics. Wimbledon 2024 could well mark his final Grand Slam appearance. The Briton has not been able to make an impression in the first part of the season, as he has failed to make the quarterfinals of any tournament.
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