Andy Murray gets emotional as he reveals he is playing happy families at the US Open
Andy Murray won his first-round match at the US Open after a thrilling victory against France’s Corentin Moutet and he revealed his travelling party in New York is bigger than ever before.
Murray won his 200th Grand Slam match with a three-set victory over fiery Frenchman Corentin Moutet at Flushing Meadows.
The two-time Wimbledon champion, a winner here in 2012, overcame an unorthodox and awkward opponent 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 to become the eighth male player in the Open Era to reach the double-century.
It may have been a straight-sets win but, typically with Murray, there was plenty of drama and even a VAR controversy, the first of its kind at Flushing Meadows.
Murray was not troubled by an abdominal injury that forced him to pull out of the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month and played some impressive tennis as he overcame a tricky and volatile opponent.
“It was amazing, a brilliant atmosphere. He is one of the most skilful players on the tour. He has so many ways to disrupt you,” said Murray.
“I hope it was entertaining. There were some fun points, so I’m happy to get through in straight sets. He always causes a little bit of chaos.
“It was a long one, but the way we play it was probably always going to be like that. Three hours is a lot shorter than some of my matches.
“I am glad to get through in straight sets because the second set was very tight. It was a long one but the way that we play it was probably always going to be that.
“It was a lot shorter than most of my matches this year! I’m happy to get it done in under three hours.
“I had to slowly build my serving up this month but I was happy with how I served today. I can’t wait to move on to the next one.
“I’m at my highest ranking since I had the metal hip put in. I’m happy with that. It’s not been an easy journey. Obviously, I want to be ranked higher but this is the best I’ve played consistently since 2017.
“I’m happy to keep going and progressing and am hoping to push my ranking up.”
Murray went on to reveal his entire family are with him at the US Open for the first time, with his wife Kim at courtside and their four children back at the hotel as Daddy got the job done.
“The kids are back at the hotel not always fun with the kids, four little ones under seven is difficult at times! It’s brilliant,” he added.
“They’ve not come to see me play that much. It’s not easy travelling with four of them so big thanks to my wife for bringing them over to watch me.”
Murray’s voice appeared to crack as he spoke about his children, with emotions always close to the surface when the three-time Grand Slam champion speaks about his beloved family.
The Scot broke down when he saw his kids in the stands after his win at the Nottingham Open in June and he has spoken about how much he missed them when he is away from home, so he will enjoy spending time with his nearest and dearest in New York.
Former British No 1 Tim Henman gave his verdict on Murray’s performance to Sky Sports, as he suggested the Scot is playing at the peak of his powers.
“I talked a bit about Murray’s controlled aggression, if you sit back against somebody like Moutet life can be difficult,” said Henman.
“Over 50 per cent of shots Murray hit were inside the baseline, that’s controlled aggression. If it was the other way around I think he might have been in trouble.”
Murray will face fellow veteran Grigor Dimitrov in the second round after the Bulgarian came through an epic five-set and saved three match points before bearing Alex Molcan.
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