Jim Courier backs Andy Murray after Mats Wilander flak: ‘It is up to Andy as to how long he wants to play’
Jim Courier is the latest to come to the defence of Andy Murray after Mats Wilander questioned why the Scot is still battling on despite his struggles.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray made a disappointing first-round exit from the French Open as he went down in straight sets against fellow major winner Stan Wawrinka.
Former world No 1 Wilander did not hold back in his criticism after the match, saying: “I worry about Andy Murray. I would love to hear him say why he is out there, giving us a false sense of hope that he is going to come back one day.”
He added: “I think Andy Murray needs to stop thinking of himself and start thinking about who he was. Does he have a right to be out there taking wildcards from the young players?”
Two of Murray’s former coaches Alex Corretja and Dani Vallverdu also insisted the 33-year-old does not need to rush into a decision over his future.
Andy Murray’s former coaches hit back at Mats Wilander after he urges the Scot to consider his future
Four-time Grand Slam winner Courier insists Murray should be allowed to end his career on his terms.
“Mats is a friend of mine and I respect his opinion greatly, [but]… Andy has every right to take wildcards if they are offered, and tournaments have every right to give them to him if they want to. It is up to Andy as to how long he wants to play,” he told ITV.
“This is all about him having the power to decide he will end his career on his terms rather than his hip deciding. And it is a remarkable story, that the doctors have given him this chance to come back. He is never going to move the way he did – he knows that.
“He says he doesn’t want to win outside of his game style but, frankly, there are going to be matches like yesterday where, if he wants to be competitive, he is going to have to hit the ball bigger, he is going to have to play differently. But there are other matches where he can use his guile and his hands and his wonderful imagination to win as well.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA TourIga Swiatek remains top, Daria Kasatkina earns WTA rankings reward
It’s a career-high for the Russian after her first win of the season in San Jose.
-
ATP TourDaniil Medvedev retains top ATP rankings, Nick Kyrgios surges up
Nick Kyrgios is the biggest mover on the latest rankings after his first title since the start of 2020.
-
WTA TourEmma Raducanu reveals US Open ambitions, looking to start afresh
The US Open champion is looking to start with a clean slate upon her return to the city of her birth.
-
WTA TourIga Swiatek focused on improving, not winning ahead of Toronto return
A return for where it all began for the world’s best player.
-
ATP TourRoger Federer without ATP ranking on his birthday for first time in 25 years
An end to an era as the ATP rankings will not feature Roger Federer on his birthday for the first time this century.
-
WTA TourDaria Kasatkina relishing three-setters after Silicon Valley Classic triumph
Daria Kasatkina will return to the top 10 after her triumph in San Jose on Sunday.
-
ATP TourNick Kyrgios has big DC return, wins Citi Open singles and doubles titles
The 27-year-old dropped just one set in five matches of singles, never had his serve broken and led the tournament with 96 aces.
-
WTA TourToronto Masters: How to watch Emma Raducanu vs Camila Giorgi
Here’s how you can track Emma Raducanu at the Toronto Masters,
-
ATP TourMontreal Masters: How to watch Andy Murray vs Taylor Fritz
Andy Murray faces American No 1 Taylor Fritz in the opening round of the Montreal Masters.
-
WTA TourSilicon Valley Classic: Shelby Rogers chasing first title in showdown with Daria Kasatkina
Shelby Rogers will face Russian No 1 Daria Kasatkina in Sunday’s championship match.