"I wasn’t bothered being portrayed as ‘moody": Murray opens up on struggling to adapt to fame overnight at 18

Andy Murray revealed the difficulties he had in adapting to his early fame at the age of 18.

The British tennis player entered the top 100 for the first time in 2005 after reaching his first ATP final in Bangkok, where he received a Wild Card and lost in the final against the world No. 1, Roger Federer.

At the age of 18, Murray showcased a remarkable performance that put him in the spotlight of the tennis world. In an incredible 2006, he achieved four victories against top-5 players, including a win over Federer, who was the reigning world No. 1 at that time.

He also secured his first ATP title by finishing as the champion of the San Jose Open in the United States on indoor hard court, defeating Lleyton Hewitt 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(3). This outstanding season propelled him to end the year in the top 20 of the ATP rankings.

The former world No. 1 commented on what the rapid rise to fame meant for him and the significant changes it brought to his life.

“My life changing overnight at 18 was difficult. Everyone makes mistakes as a teenager. For most, that doesn’t happen in front of millions of people. I wasn’t bothered being portrayed as ‘moody.’ Some of that would’ve been justified,” he said to The Time.

The current world No. 44 also commented on his future and admitted that he still wants to continue competing.

“I don’t want to have played my last match at Wimbledon,” he said.

“I’m still planning on continuing. But you never know with my age. Another injury could be the end. You can’t predict it,” Murray added.

This week, Murray played in the DC Open and fell in the round of 16 against the first seed, Taylor Fritz, in three sets. The British player continues to show a high level of competitiveness and will compete in the Canadian Open starting next Monday, where he was drawn to face Italian Lorenzo Sonego in his opening match.