Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has revealed that he goes into every match thinking it could be his last.
Speaking to reporters after marking his return to singles action since March with an emphatic straight-set win over Frenchman Benoit Paire in his opening clash at Queens ATP 500 on Tuesday, Murray said he wants to make the most of whatever?s left of his career.
A fiery competitor in his heydays, the Scot from Dunblane has no qualms admitting that his best years are behind him and it?s a struggle to get through a tournament unscathed these days.
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Andy Murray regrets not enjoying the small things that come with being a tennis player
Revealing that he felt some discomfort in his groin during his Queen’s Club opener, Murray said unlike his best years when he was too focused on his game to cherish the little things that go with being a professional tennis player, he now takes more time out of a tennis season to do the same.
?I just wish when I was coming into these events and stuff and tournaments, like 10 years ago, I always stressed a lot. I always got quite stressed out before these times of year. I was very focused on my tennis and stuff,? the Briton said.
On how he prepares mentally for matches these days, Murray said he always tells himself that the next match could be his last and he would go out looking to enjoy every moment of it and he is not sure if those moments will come again.
?I?m always sort of telling myself, and maybe it?s not the best mindset, but each match could be my last one, you know, that I play now. I want to make the most of every match that I play and each tournament that I get the chance to compete in,? Murray said.
He said he often regrets not appreciating the small things like returning to the grass court after a long time or playing at the back-end of the clay season enough.
After intermittent spells on the sidelines with injuries or fitness issues, the Scottsman entered the doubles draw at this year?s Italian Open.
Murray is eyeing a glorious return at Wimbledon
?I just wish I had appreciated the small moments and stuff like walking back on the grass court for the first time, like off the back of the clay season, just enjoying those moments. Then celebrating wins and enjoying them more than probably what I did,? Murray said.
Watch This Link: Madrid Open: The Only Clay Court Tournament To Have Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as Champions
However, he added that being in top-line competition for a number of years, it was tough not to ignore the small things as he always had to keep focus on the next match or the next tournament.
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Read More: “It Was Such a Great Opportunity”: Andy Murray Reveals Biggest Career Regret
Murray is eyeing a strong run at the Queens ahead of a return to Wimbledon.