“Been an Inspiration to Watch”: Casper Ruud Pays Tribute to Andy Murray After San Diego Open Victory

The second-seeded Casper Ruud outclassed former World No.1, Andy Murray in the round of 16 at the San Diego Open. Murray easily beat Denis Kudla of America in the round of 32, but couldn’t go past Ruud in the following round.

Murray has been working on his comeback to the tour recently. At the US Open 2021, he put up a spirited performance but couldn’t get past Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round. Murray then competed at Moselle Open in Metz. The 3 time Grand Slam champion lost against the number one seed Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets in the quarter-final.

Casper Ruud hailed Andy Murray

Casper Ruud knocked out the former World No.1 in the round of 16 at San Diego Open in California. Following the straight-set victory, Ruud lauded Murray. In the on-court interview, he said, “On the opposite side of the net from me was a legend of the game for the past decade or so. Even what he’s done now the past [few] years, fighting his way back from a very serious injury, it’s been an inspiration for me”.

He further quoted, “Also for the previous 10, 15 years, he’s been an inspiration to watch on TV the way he fights and always finds a way to never give up. It’s been amazing. It’s been an unfortunate couple of years for him, but it’s great to see him back and I think he was playing at a high level today.”

Despite his incredible triumph, the Norwegian star had nothing but respect for Andy. Ruud is fresh off the heels of the Laver Cup and will face the Italian Lorenzo Musetti in his next round.

Murray wishes to play at Laver Cup 2022

In a recent interview, Andy Murray admitted that he wants to play in the Laver Cup 2022. He said, “I really like the event, I have seen it and I have enjoyed it this weekend. I think it is a good show for our sport. If my ranking allows me to be selected, I will strongly consider participating and representing Europe.”

Even if his rankings aren’t up to the mark, Murray could play at the Laver Cup since three players are chosen as captain’s picks. Additionally, with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer also talking about a comeback to the event in 2022, it would be amazing to see all the stars in action together.

ALSO READ: Andy Murray Reveals Why Making to the Top 100 Is Not a Motivation for Him