Andy Murray enjoying ‘part-training and part-holiday’ in Dubai – ‘The kids are just loving being on the beach’
Andy Murray has stepped up his preparation ahead of his return to the Dubai Tennis Championships, but is has not been all work and no play for the former world No 1 as he has enjoyed some quality family time.
Following his marathon matches at the Australian Open that saw him spend more than 14 hours on court, Murray took time out to recover as he opted to skip this week’s Rotterdam Open.
He will now make his comeback at the ATP 500 in the United Arab Emirates next week after accepting a wildcard entry and he has already managed to get several practice sessions in.
“Practice has been brilliant,” he told The National. “The court was pretty much brand-new when we started, so I got some really good sessions in. The team here have been unbelievably helpful. It’s been great preparation for these next two weeks – I’ve loved it.”
He added: “Everything has been super easy and smooth. The facilities are fantastic, great gyms – they’ve even got a gym just for the players to use now, which is really nice.”
Murray made his debut at the Middle East event in 2008 and went on to win the title in 2017 while he also finished runner-up at the 2012 edition.
After missing several editions, he was due to return in 2021 before pulling out at the last minute following the birth of his fourth child, but he eventually made his comeback to Dubai last year, losing in the second round against Jannik Sinner.
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“The tournament has changed a lot since the first time I was here,” he said. “I mean, the whole city has changed, but the tournament has evolved. With the hotel here onsite now, it is brilliant for the players; it’s so easy and convenient – you spend no time in cars, or traffic, or anything. You’re right here.
“They always have brilliant food, great crowds, and lots of practice courts. I think the players have voted Dubai as one of the best ATP 500 events multiple times in the last 10 years or so, which says a lot. And each year the organisers keep improving it, so there’s really nothing to complain about.”
Murray, his wife and children been taking in the sights and sounds of Dubai, but for the kids there is one winner – or two if you like – as they prefer the beach or the pool.
“The kids are off this week, so they were able to come over,” he said. “It’s been part-training and part-holiday. We went to the aquarium at The Atlantis, watched the fountains outside the Burj Khalifa, and went to Miracle Gardens, which was good.
“We may go to one of the waterparks, but the kids are just loving being on the beach and in the pool – they are more than happy with that. It’s been really good.”
World No 1 Novak Djokovic will headline the Dubai Tennis Championships with defending champion Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev also in the main draw.
Rafael Nadal was also due to play, but the 22-time Grand Slam winner is still recovering from the hip injury he sustained at the Australian Open.
