WATCH: Andy Murray rushes to celebrate with wife Kim Sears after beating Alexei Popyrin in Queen's Club Championships 1R
Andy Murray hurried over to the stands to celebrate with his wife Kim Sears after defeating Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the 2024 Queens Club Championships. This was Murray's 1000th match on the ATP Tour and the win here propelled him to the second round of the grass-court event, where he will face Jordan Thompson.
Murray, who is potentially playing his last season as a professional player, was granted a wildcard entry to the main draw of the ATP 500 grass court tournament. He kicked off his campaign by defeating qualifier Popyrin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in one hour and 51 minutes in the first round.
This victory improved Murray's record at the Cinch Championships to an impressive 32 wins to nine losses
Following his win over Alexei Popyrin, Andy Murray, who has not been having a great season so far, expressed his joy on his win with a triumphant shout and celebrated on the court by soaking in the cheers of his home crowd. He then quickly made his way to the stands to celebrate with his wife Kim Sears and his team.
Watch the video here:
Andy Murray has a remarkable history at the Queens Club Championships, having won the title a record five times. His first title victory came in 2009 when he defeated James Blake 7–5, 6–4 in the final. He secured his second title in 2011 by overcoming Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 3–6, 7–6(2), 6–4, and his third in 2013 by defeating Marin Cilic 5–7, 7–5, 6–3.
The former World No.1 clinched his fourth Queens Club Championships title in 2015 with a win over Kevin Anderson 6–3, 6–4, and his fifth in 2016 by defeating Milos Raonic 6–7(7), 6–4, 6–3.
Andy Murray on his win over Alexei Popyrin: "A lot of wear and tear in the body, but I managed to push through"
During the post-match on-court interview following his win over Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the 2024 Queens Club Championships, Andy Murray talked about playing his 1000th match on the tour. He stated that it was his mother, Judy Murray, who brought this achievement to his attention before the match.
Reflecting on the milestone, Murray acknowledged the toll that 1000 matches can take on the body and expressed gratitude for being able to "push through" and secure the win over Popyrin.
"I didn't realise, but my mum told me before the match that this was my 1000th match on the Tour. A lot of matches and a lot of wear and tear in the body and it is not easy but I managed to push through," Murray said.
Andy Murray also stated that the season had been challenging for him, which made his win over Alexei Popyrin all the more meaningful.
"During the match it is difficult but great reward at the end for the hard work and effort I put into the match. I have not got too many wins this year, it has been a difficult season but did well to come through in the end. Held quite a few tight service games and managed to serve it out well," he added.