Andy Murray's mother Judy reacts to Kevin Sinfield carrying Rob Burrow over marathon finish line
Andy Murray's mother Judy Murray was deeply moved by the heartwarming scene of rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield carrying his former teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Rob Burrow Leeds marathon.
Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow share a longstanding friendship. After Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, the two joined forces to create The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal.
At the inaugural marathon, Sinfield pushed Burrow in a specially adapted wheelchair throughout the course.
Judy Murray retweeted a clip posted by BBC Sport, which showed the duo reaching the finishing line. She wrote:
"So great to see. Sport is where you make friends for life," she wrote.
So great to see. Sport is where you make friends for life. twitter.com/bbcsport/statu…
Sinfield demonstrated his friendship as he lifted Burrow and carried him over the finish line amidst dozens of cheering spectators. The heartfelt gesture concluded with a kiss between the former teammates, who then joined the camaraderie of over 12,000 other participants.
The proceeds of the marathon went to The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal and the Leeds Hospitals Charity, as well as other causes.
Judy's son Andy Murray, meanwhile, is gearing up for his Round of 16 match at the Challenger Bordeaux on Wednesday, May 17.
I've gotten stronger because of the rivalries, particularly with Federer, Nadal and Murray: Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic progressed to the Round of 16 of the 2023 Italian Open, overcoming Grigor Dimitrov in a three-set battle. In the on-court post-match interview, the Serb gave a nod to his old rivals, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and stated that they made him grow stronger.
"I've learned a lot, you know, I've gotten stronger because of the rivalries, particularly with Federer, Nadal and Murray, " he said.
Djokovic and Murray started their professional journey together in the juniors. Both athletes carved a special place for themselves in the sport and held the top two spots in the rankings intermittedly from 2013-2017.
Reflecting on his learnings from competing with his old rivals, Djokovic added:
"Just, you know, staying the course, staying patient and believing in the process, in the journey and understanding yourself. Everyone is unique, so understanding what works for you the best, your winning formula mentally and also physically and emotionally and sticking to it."
Djokovic will next square off against Cameron Norrie in the Round of 16 at the Italian Open.