"Unfortunately I’ve been playing in a time where the three guys ahead of me are quite good” - Andy Murray on Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
After his first-round win in Newport on Tuesday, Andy Murray spoke in glowing terms about the Big 3 of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Murray, 35, opened his campaign at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships with a convincing victory over former Wimbledon semifinalist Sam Querrey. The Scot conceded only two games, and even inflicted a bagel, to book a Round of 16 meeting with Max Purcell on Wednesday.
Following his victory over Querrey, Murray reflected on how the Big 3 of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have been a cut above the rest for almost two decades. Nadal (22), Djokovic (21) and Federer (20) are the all-time Grand Slam singles leaders in men's tennis, and eight of those titles have come against Murray in the final.
"Unfortunately, I have been playing in a time where the three guys ahead of me are quite good," said Murray. "Between them, they have got 63 Slams, so it's not been easy to win those sort of events."
Murray on the big 3 🎤
“Unfortunately I’ve been playing in a time where the three guys ahead of me are quite good…” 😉
@andy_murray #ATPNewport https://t.co/KwNetQS9jk
"Obviously, as a 19-year-old, it would have been my dream to win a tournament like Wimbledon and get to No. 1 in the world and these things. When I was a kid, I never never would have expected to do that," added the three-time Major winner.
Murray occupied the World No. 1 ranking for 41 weeks, between November' 16 and August' 17, before injuries wreaked havoc.
The Scot hasn't reached a Major semifinal since losing to Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros in 2017. In fact, he hasn't reached the second week of a Grand Slam since making the Wimbledon quarterfinals that year.
Andy Murray's 2022 campaign so far
Andy Murray has had one of his best campaigns this year since undergoing hip replacement surgery back in 2018.
The World No. 52 has gone 18-10 in 2022, making the finals in Sydney (lost to Aslan Karatsev) and Stuttgart (lost to Matteo Berrettini). In the latter tournament, Murray beat Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in the semis before losing to Berrettini in three sets.
However, the 35-year-old has generally struggled to win consecutive matches this year, something he'll look to address in Newport. Murray has exited in the second round at seven tournaments, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
The Scot is coming off his first second-round exit at the grasscourt Major, losing to American John Isner in four sets.
"It was an incredible honour to play him on this court"
@JohnIsner pays tribute to Andy Murray after notching a first career win over the Brit
#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 https://t.co/O70rDRTvoA
Murray is looking for his first title in Newport, having last played in the tournament in 2006, where he lost to Justin Gimelstob in the semifinals.