NFL star Kirk Cousins praises Andy Murray’s ‘grit’

Andy Murray’s determination and hard work on the court are qualities that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins admires.
Murray is back in the United States playing in the Hall of Fame Open in Newport and brushed shoulders with Cousins.
Cousins is a big fan of tennis and was treated to a brief meeting with Murray.
In a short conference caught by cameras, Cousins told Murray: “I admire your grit.”
Cousins later explained what he meant in a chat with ATPTour.com.
“That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of him: his grit, toughness, the ability to come back from injury. Tennis is already mentally [difficult] as a singles player. You’re on your own. Matches can get long, you need to dig deep. It can be mentally and emotionally heartbreaking.
“The way he’s handled not only his career, but individual matches, it is inspiring to watch and kind of helps me with what I’m doing.”
Cousins also revealed that playing tennis during the offseason has helped his game in the NFL.
The Vikings QB said that his interest in tennis stemmed from a connection between throwing a football and serving.
“I love the sport. I was looking for a way to train in the offseason and not just do boring training, but do something fun. Thought about pickup basketball, but was concerned about the risk of injury, so ended up doing tennis and just fell in love with it,” Cousins said.
“Didn’t realise just how much it would carry over to playing quarterback. Can’t get enough of it. That’s why I’m here in Newport today.
“As I got older and really got away from tennis to focus on football, that was when Federer, Nadal and Djokovic made their rise,” Cousins said.
“Now as I’m getting into it, those guys are getting a little older and so it’s been fun to see some of the younger names start to make a run.”
Two Brits among the four players Andy Murray says he would like to coach
Cousins says that the big four are a study in staying in the best shape to perform at the highest level.
“I think the longevity, the body work. Tennis is a grind on their bodies physically. The travel and just watching how they take care of themselves, I think there’s something there with trying to play as long as you can,” Cousins said. “I think they’re setting a good example with the work they’re putting in to take care of their bodies.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Tennis icon explains why Carlos Alcaraz’s brilliance will have a knock-on effect on tennis in general
Martina Navratilova on why Carlos Alcaraz “will have a good influence on other players”.
-
WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka gives herself a pat on the back after brilliant win – ‘It was an amazing performance from me’
Aryna Sabalenka made light work of Barbora Krejcikova in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal rebuffs Monte-Carlo Masters reports – ‘Unfortunately I cannot confirm it’
Rafael Nadal’s return date remains unclear.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray joins Emma Raducanu at American agency with ‘eye on future business opportunities’
Andy Murray’s 77 Sports Management has disbanded it’s tennis division.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Distraught Bianca Andreescu leaves court in wheelchair after suffering horrific injury
Wishing Bianca Andreescu a speedy recovery.
-
WTA Tour
Martina Trevisan breaks new ground as she reaches maiden WTA 1000 quarter-final
Martina Trevisan is savouring a massive win.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas ends Miami holiday by grinding past Cristian Garin
Stefanos Tsitsipas has been ‘on vacation’ in Miami.
-
News
Roger Federer teases YouTube film with Trevor Noah
Roger Federer is once again rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities in a new film for Switzerland Tourism.
-
Tennis News
Why did Elena Rybakina change nationality?
Elena Rybakina switched federations to Kazakhstan in June 2018.