There is always a humane side to every sporting icon. They have to deal with a lot of challenges to make every effort count. However, for a true sportsman, success never scores over the other facet of their character. Irrespective of the outcome, a sweet gesture on the part of champions is always lapped up. British tennis legend Andy Murray has always had a charming sway over fans and ball kids alike. Once done dominating on the court, the former World Number 1 surely wins hearts as a champion with a heart.
The ongoing Rogers Cup in Montreal has been making quite the noise. A precursor to the US Open, players have been toiling hard to be in best shape before the last Major of the year. Defying age, Andy Murray is also making rapid strides in the event also known as the Canadian Open. But, the headlines aren’t all about his on-court efforts. The winner of three Grand Slam singles titles is making news off of it too!
Andy Murray gives kids something to cherish forever
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Andy Murray has had a tough match against the qualifier Max Purcell. The match went down to the wire before experience had the last laugh. The Brit eventually staved off his rival?s challenge to enter the round-of-16 at the Masters 1000 tournament. The clash ended 7-6(2) 3-6 7-5 in the legend?s favor. Didn?t he heave a sigh of relief? Of course, he did. But guess what happened after the high-octane contest?
After the well-earned win, the man from Oxshott, Surrey, delighted the kids around with gifts. The recipients were in absolute awe of the superstar and their excitement knew no bounds. When asked, Andy Murray said, ?After, you spent some time going over to all the kids making sure they had something of yours today..?.
Murray after beating Purcell
“After, you spent some time going over to all the kids making sure they had something of yours today..”
Andy: “A lot of youngsters here. I remember going to watch some tournaments as a kid. It’s always nice to get a souvenir from 1 of the players”🥹 pic.twitter.com/asiVYLcA20
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 10, 2023
The triumphant Andy Murray also took a trip down memory lane. He recalled his days as a youngster when he watched the big ones battling it out for titles. He elaborated how it was always nice to get a souvenir from the players. However, this was not the first time that the former World Number 1 earned the respect of those around him with his off-court behavior.
READ MORE: ?I Would Just Stop ?- Andy Murray on How He Would Prefer to Retire
The veteran won a legion of fans with his speech after the 2012 Wimbledon finals
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Rewinding to the 2012 Wimbledon final, Andy Murray won fans with his incredible speech event after losing the coveted title. A defeat to Roger Federer before his home crowd was a bitter pill to swallow. However, the emotional runner-up stole the show. A gracious loser, the impeccably polite Brit expressed his gratitude to his family and fans.
But what really earned him respect was the fact that he shrugged off the pressure factor from the home crowd. Pensively, he said, ?Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon ? how tough it is. But it’s not the people watching ? they make it so much easier to play.?
The words were phenomenal, proving him a true champion. Accepting defeat with a sporting mindset make you stand you out – and Murray continues to do exactly that. Be it a win or loss, the British icon still strikes the right chord with his admirers. Do you agree? Or does somebody else strike you as the most cordial player to have graced the court? Let us know in the comments below!
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