Andy Murray is among a slew of top names who will retire at the end of this season with the former World No.1 heavily praised by another player who reached the tennis summit in
Naomi Osaka.
Murray’s impact is thus that Osaka said he’s had an effect on every tennis kid worldwide during his career. The way he battles back after injuries and setbacks is also heavily admired by Osaka.
Set to make his comeback in Geneva prior to Roland Garros, he has made a miraculous return after being on the shelf and not knowing if he’d even return after his injury at the Miami Open. But in a bid to leave the sport on his own terms, he will return as soon as he can to begin.
“For me, Murray's such a great guy, such a tough competitor. I think it's really amazing the fact that he loves tennis so much and he keeps coming back. He's had all these injuries. He's kind relentless in a way. Just his ability to keep playing matches at a high level,” said Osaka.
“For me, when I think about him, when I think about the legacy that he leaves on tennis, obviously he's done a lot for can I say UK tennis or should I say British tennis.
I think as a kid watching him on TV playing these amazing battles, he's affected every tennis kid worldwide.”
But also it’s a legacy that includes very much a viewpoint that is appreciated by female tennis players with Murray being one of the top stars to be outspoken in his support for WTA stars and the game in general.
“Yeah, he's been very vocal. I know all tennis players and all female athletes really appreciate it.”
