Andy Murray’s mother Judy books £15 flight to see him make history with Challenger win

Ewan West
Andy Murray pleased
Andy Murray celebrates a point win

Andy Murray’s mother was in attendance as the three-time Grand Slam champion set a record by winning the Aix-en-Provence Challenger title on Sunday.

Judy Murray, former captain of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team, revealed she was able to fly to Marseille on the morning of the match in time to see her son play.

Former world No 1 Murray defeated 17th-ranked Tommy Paul 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the final of the clay-court Challenger Tour 175 event in the southern French city. It was his third victory against an opponent ranked in the top 20 this year.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist also saw off a French quartet of Gael Monfils, Laurent Lokoli, Luca van Assche and Harold Mayot en route to the title.

The 35-year-old’s triumph was his third on the Challenger Tour and saw him make history for having the longest gap between Challenger titles at 17 years and eight months.

The Brit’s previous victory at Challenger level came in Binghamton in August 2005, while his first came in Aptos the month prior.

Murray’s title saw him climb 10 places up to No 42 in the ATP Rankings today. This is his highest position in the ATP Rankings in five years and since undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in 2019.

The Scot’s mother Judy, 63, described her experience of the day in a series of posts on Twitter.

“So lucky that @ryanair had a direct flight to Marseille this morning and I could make it to @ATPChallenger Aix en Provence for the final. And it was only £14.99… worth every penny!!,” Murray said on Twitter.

“Fabulous @ATPChallenger event at gorgeous Aix en Provence Country Club. According to TD (Tournament Director) Arnaud Clement, a record number of spectators across the week – 20k. Previous best attendance was 11k. Incredible support from the local tennis community.”

The tennis coach then commented on a Tweet featuring pictures of her son from his respective Challenger wins in Binghamton and Aix-en-Provence.

“A little more muscle. A little less hair. But the same fighting qualities,” she added.

Murray is next set to compete at the Italian Open in Rome, where play in the men’s main draw begins on Wednesday, 10 May.

The 35-year-old is a former champion at the Foro Italico, having won the clay-court Masters 1000 tournament in 2017.

READ MORE: Andy Murray shares hug with his mother Judy as he wins first Challenger event in 18 years.

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