An earlier than expected exit at the Monte Carlo Masters has failed to deter Andy Murray as he returns to the Barcelona Open, the venue where he played his first ATP Match.
A lot has happened since his 2005 Barcelona debut at the age of 17. He is now a multiple grand slam champion leading the men’s tour in the Emirates Rankings. Still, Murray is not invincible from setbacks. Leading up to the clay swing of the tour, an elbow injury put him briefly out of action. The effects of the issue were displayed last week at the Monte Carlo Masters. Coming through his opening match, the Brit crashed out of the third found after squandering a 4-0 lead over Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the final set.
The latest loss contributed to Murray’s decision to take a wild card into this week’s tournament in what will be his first appearance since 2012. He may be the top seed, but Murray has to contend with the formidable Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard will be bidding to win the Barcelona title for the tenth time in his career.
“This is the Rafa tournament,” said Murray, “but anything can happen. And we still need to reach the final match to face each other for the title.”
Approaching the fifth month of the year, Murray has only played in 13 singles matches this season. The lack of activity is an alarming one with the French Open rapidly approaching. Still, the Brit is confident of a solid performance at the Real Club de Tenis, where he will play his first match against either Bernard Tomic or Dustin Brown.
“I have not played many matches this year and we thought it was better to play games than to practice. And this tournament is perfect for the clay court players. I will do very well, no doubt.” He explained.
A city close to his heart
Barcelona is a city that has always been close to Murray’s heart. Not only it is the place where he began his career on the ATP Tour. As a teenager, he moved to Barcelona for two years to train to become a professional player. He trained at an academy owned by former top-10 player Emilio Sanchez. Over ten years have passed since that period of Murray’s life, but still he has fond memories.
“I was here two years, two of the best of my life. I told my team a few days ago. I keep incredible memories. Here was the first time I travelled alone, savouring what we call freedom.” Said Murray.
This year the world No.1 has 3,160 points to defend on the clay following a solid 2016. Last season he won the Rome Masters and reached the finals in Madrid and Roland Garros.
“I think I’m a better clay player now than I was five years ago,” the world No.1 stated with confidence. “I had not won any titles or beaten the great players, but this has changed now.”
So far in Murray’s career he has won 45 ATP trophies, but only three of those have been on the clay. A title this week will be his first in Barcelona.
