"I always love coming back here": Andy Murray makes emotional return to Queen's to unveil 'Andy Murray Arena'

Former three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has made his return to Queen’s Club Championships to unveil the newly renamed ‘Andy Murray Arena’, formerly known simply as ‘Centre Court’. Murray was a five-time Queen’s Club Championship winner, with the now-retired tennis icon proud to receive this honour.

The annual precursor to Wimbledon, Queen’s is an ATP and WTA 500 tournament and sees the best of the best compete as they look to find their footing ahead of the grass swing season. Murray showed that he’s still able to hit a tennis ball, though he apologised for it being “diabolical” compared to his usual standards. The former world no. 1 shared a few rallies with tournament director Laura Robson and two youth ambassadors, where he unsurprisingly won all the points with ease, much to the delight of his daughter.

Murray has suggested he is enjoying his time away from the playing side of the sport, with his ultimate aim of becoming a scratch golfer now well in sight. He further added that he is, of course, also enjoying the ability to spend time with his family after spending so much of his career on the road.

The former Wimbledon champion was able to address the fans who arrived early to hear what the tennis icon had to say. Murray was given a guard of honour from the ball boys and went on to say, “It’s great. I’ve obviously missed being out here. First time not being involved in a grass court season in a while, but I’ve got a new life now and [I’m] enjoying being away from the sport".

Murray would further explain his enjoyment since retiring: “I’m spending as much time with the family and kids as I can — life is good”.

After speaking at length about his love for the game of golf, Murray went on to address what the honour of having his name on this court means to him.

“It’s cool. This tournament, and this court, has had many special moments for me. It’s the place — the tournament, not the court — where I won my first match on the ATP Tour”.

“It was my most successful event. I always love coming back here at the start of the British summer. I’m very proud of the results I had here. I’m very grateful and thankful to whoever it was who decided to name the stadium this — I don’t know exactly who was responsible for that, but thank you!”.

The new court was unveiled on the first day of the WTA 500 event, with women’s tennis returning to London for the first time in 50 years. Murray was delighted to see WTA players in action.

“I think it’s brilliant. I actually just met the last winner, Olga Morozova, who actually coached me when I was 12, 13 years old, so she was the last winner here 52 years ago, which is incredible”, Murray added.

“This court has had many great matches on it. I think it’s a great chance for the women to showcase themselves out here. We’ve got some great players, so you’re lucky — you’ll get to see some brilliant matches and I hope the tournament goes well”.

The British tennis icon is definitely a great ambassador for the sport, and this honour is thoroughly deserved.

Murray jokingly apologised before sharing a few points with a youth player called Gloria “My tennis is diabolical nowadays so apologies for what you’re about to witness but I’ll give it a go”, as they went up against Jay (a youth player) and tournament coordinator Robson, who failed to get the ball over the net at the first attempt. Murray then hit a winner past their opponents proving the top level quality never truly leaves you.