Wimbledon qualifier Oscar Otte admits that he cried when watching a documentary about Andy Murray’s return from injury as the two players prepare to lock horns at the tournament on Wednesday.
The world No.151 won his first ever main draw match at the championships by outlasting Arthur Rinderknech in a four-hour marathon which saw him clinch the fifth set tiebreak. It is only the second time the 27-year-old has won a match at a Grand Slam tournament in his career. Although he had previously taken Alexander Zverev to five sets at the French Open earlier this season.
Otte’s reward is a meeting with two-time champion Murray on Center Court. Ahead of their clash he paid tribute to his peer who he described as an ‘icon’ of the sport and his return from injury. Murray has undergone two hip operations and now plays with a metal rod inserted into his joint. He has also suffered from other setbacks in recent times, including a ‘freak’ groin problem which sidelined him for a few weeks earlier this year.
“He’s huge in tennis. When I watched his documentary when it came out, actually, I was crying. It was so emotional and so inspiring,” Otte said of Murray.
“I’m probably talking for other players, too. He’s just a huge icon in the sport.’
“It will be a pretty big match. The crowd probably won’t be on my side, but that’s okay for me, of course.
“He’s an inspiring athlete and I’m really happy to have a chance to play against him.”
34-year-old Murray has vowed to continue playing on the Tour following his first round win amid recent speculation over his future in the sport. Speaking to The BBC, he says he still has what it takes to beat the top players on the Tour as he seeks to break back into the world’s top 100.
“Everybody knows he’s one of the best tennis players ever, and when he gets in control of his body, I think everybody knows he can still beat the top guys and come far in tournaments,” Otte commented.
“So I’m actually not really surprised. He has a big team behind him, physios, everything. I think they are taking care of him very well and he’s just an unreal athlete. One of the best ever, for sure.”
Should Otte beat Murray he would become the lowest ranked player in history to have beaten the Brit at a Grand Slam tournament.
