The past few years have been a torrid time for Andy Murray. The British tennis star has struggled with injuries that have kept him away from competing consistently at the highest level. Nonetheless, Murray is striving to find his mojo back by putting on gritty performances this year.
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Earlier today, the 35-year-old confirmed his participation in the Laver Cup to be held in London in September, later this year. Murray will be making his Laver Cup debut, representing Team Europe at The O2 in London from September 23-25, 2022. He joins the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have already confirmed their participation in the tournament. As the news broke out, the Swiss maestro, Roger Federer, reacted.
Roger Federer reacts as Andy Murray confirms his Laver Cup debut
The 20-time Grand Slam champion took to Twitter to express his happiness about Murray joining Team Europe at the Laver Cup. He said, “Europe Avengers assemble!”
Europe Avengers assemble 💪🏼 #teameurope #London https://t.co/LS44mzm6ji
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 29, 2022
“I’m looking forward to playing the Laver Cup in London. I love playing as part of a team and there is a great atmosphere and intensity to the event. I’ve heard lots of good things and I’m excited to be teaming up with both Roger and Rafa for Team Europe,” Murray said, announcing his Laver Cup debut.
Earlier this year, Federer had approached rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz to join Team Europe at the Laver Cup. With Murray’s participation, Team Europe that has dominated the Laver Cup in the past looks extremely strong. However, it remains to be seen if Murray is available for the Davis Cup, which is set to take place a week before the Laver Cup.
Andy Murray to play in Laver Cup in September, not a surprise given 'flexible' team selection policies. Let's hope he's available for GB in the Davis Cup the week before.
— Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) June 29, 2022
Murray advances at the Wimbledon Championships 2022
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On the opening day of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, the three-time Grand Slam champion overcame the challenge of James Duckworth of Australia. In a match lasting two hours and 43 minutes, Murray got the better of his Australian opponent in four sets.
During the match, Murray used an underarm serve which surprised the crowd. Further, talking about this tactic, he said, “He changed his return position. That’s why I did it. He was standing very close to return [initially], he was struggling a little bit on the first-serve return. So he stepped probably two meters further back. As soon as I saw him step further back, I threw the underarm serve in.”
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Murray will take on John Isner of the United States in the second round.