Andy Murray’s former rival says ‘major mistake’ to underappreciate ‘gifted’ star
Andy Murray has been hailed as one of the “most gifted” tennis players by former ATP star Gilles Simon – who claimed the Brit did not receive enough respect for his talent.
Murray confirmed on Tuesday that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games would be the final event of his career, having bid farewell to Wimbledon earlier this month.
The 37-year-old reached the world No 1 ranking back in 2016 and won three Grand Slam titles, alongside reaching a further eight major finals – and winning back-to-back men’s singles Olympic gold medals.
Glowing tributes have been paid to the Brit since the star of the month, with one last campaign in singles and doubles confirmed in the French capital.
But, writing in L’Equipe, former world No 6 and Grand Slam quarter-finalist Gilles Simon claimed that Murray had been written off solely as a hard worker – and that his ‘gifted’ ability was underappreciated.
“Andy is much more gifted than you think,” said Simon. “One of the most gifted we’ve ever seen.
“Since he was above all a solid player, who ran everywhere and didn’t make mistakes, he was categorized as a hard worker.
“But we make a major mistake in systematically associating talent with a flamboyant style of play. Even in the street (sic), he was capable of getting you a lob at the end of the run that fell ten centimetres in front of the line!
“He has an incredible hand.”
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French star Simon, who retired from tennis in 2022, and Murray met 19 times across their careers – with the former world No 1 winning an impressive 16 of those matches.
The British star waits to see who he faces in the final singles event of his career in Paris, with the tennis draws for the Olympics made on Thursday.
Murray has fallen down the ATP Rankings in recent months and is now world No 121, though has received one of two special wildcards saved for Grand Slam winners – the other going to Stan Wawrinka.
Triumphs at London 2012 and Rio 2016 make Murray the only player to defend an Olympic title, and in France, he becomes the first British tennis player to compete in five Games.
Alongside his singles campaign, Murray will also doubles with compatriot and close friend Dan Evans.
The pair previously played together at the French Open earlier this year, losing in round one.
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