My achievements may pale in comparison to the Big 3's, but there were moments in my career when I was at their level: Andy Murray
Andy Murray's career has not gone the way he would have hoped for in recent years as the Brit has been hampered by injuries, with his glory days seemingly behind him.
Andy Murray won three Major titles and reached 11 Grand Slam finals, being stopped each time by either Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic. While the Brit never played Nadal in a Slam final, Nadal faced Murray in several semifinals and won most encounters. He has a 14-11 losing head-to-head against Federer, a 25-11 losing record against Djokovic and a 17-7 losing win-loss record against Nadal.
Speaking in an interview with El Pais, Murray reminisced about his time fighting for Majors alongside the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
"If you look at what the three above me (Nadal, Federer and Djokovic) have achieved, what I have won will seem insignificant to some. And I understand it. I will never say I was at their level , I take responsibility for what they won, but I think there were moments in my career when I was playing at their level."
Andy Murray also pointed out how he was struck down by injury just after the most successful season of his career, and suggested that he may have continued fighting alongside the elite trio if not for that setback.
"I have been able to win against them in some of the biggest tournaments, and some will say that if I hadn't had such a serious injury at the time when I was number one in the world and playing my best tennis ... lost two or three very good years."
The moment two-time champion @andy_murray took out Dominic Thiem in Madrid.
#MMOPEN https://t.co/ryBqHe2FBZ
"I would continue playing for another 20 years if I could" - Andy Murray
Speculation over Andy Murray's retirement has raged ever since he underwent multiple hip surgeries. But the Brit stressed that he has no plans of hanging up his racket and would love to play for many more years, even though it doesn't seem like a realistic proposition.
"I would continue playing for another 20 years if I could, but it probably won't. Tennis has been a very important part of my life. I've been playing for about 30 years. I started at four. It has given me an incredible life, I have visited fascinating cities, I have met incredible people, I have achieved many of my dreams… Tennis has given me a lot, it has been very important in my life. I put a lot of time and effort into it and, even if I asked a lot about my body, it means a lot to me."
"Keep going. It takes time but you'll be fine"
A sentiment we can all agree with ❤
@andy_murray @domithiem #MMOPEN https://t.co/vr2QYTlexe
Murray won his first match on clay after nearly five years, with a win over Dominic Thiem in the first round of the Madrid Open.