Optimism and caution were the two topics dominating the second edition of the Andy Murray Live charity night at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.
Murray, who hasn’t played a match on the tour since Wimbledon, took on Roger Federer in an historic showdown. 36-year-old Federer was playing in Scotland for the first time in his career in front of a crowd of 10,000 fans. Tuesday’s light-hearted clash was done to raise money for charities Unicef and Sunny-sid3up. Fans were treated to an array of tricks from both players as well as Witnessing Federer play one game in a kilt.
Roger Federer’s 1HBH, but in a kilt.#AndyMurrayLive pic.twitter.com/apNt9jkxMN
— Ashish TV (@Ashish__TV) 7 November 2017
The match provided a chance to see how Murray faired against Federer following his lengthy absence due to a hip injury. He displayed glimmers of the play which guided him to world No.1 last year, but there were also moments of rustiness as well as a noticeable limp. Nevertheless, the crowd was treated to a tightly contested encounter with Federer prevailing 6-3, 3-6, 10-6.
“I was just really happy to be out here again. I thought it went pretty well.” Murray said following the match.
“I obviously would have liked to do better, but for a first match in four or five months it was great. I really really enjoyed it.”
The Signs are promising for the Brit, but he admits that there is still a way to go to reach full fitness. An attempt to return to the tour at the US Open failed, which Murray has now branded a ‘mistake.’ Instead, he now aims to take a slow and steady approach to his comeback.
“My hip felt pretty good. Not perfect yet, but it is going in the right direction.” He explained. “I got eight more weeks until the first tournament of the new year and hopefully I will be good to go by then.”
Andy Murray (🎥Eurosport) pic.twitter.com/00L4utV2ns
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) 7 November 2017
Murray’s return date to professional tennis remains up in the air. Reluctant to not push himself too hard, playing at the Australian Open in January is the last thing on his mind. Insisting that he will not play until he is ‘100 per cent fit.’
“Things have been going pretty well so far in the rehab, but you just never know,” Murray told reporters during a press conference earlier in the day.
“I’ve been training for a few weeks now. Some days I’ve felt great and some days not so good.
“But I will come back when I’m ready and when I’m 100 per cent fit.”
Federer to return to Scotland?
After his first taste of Andy Murray Live, Federer has opened the door to returning back to Scotland. Following his win over Murray, the 19-time grand slam champion stated that he was more than happy to participate on more charity nights in the future.
“I told Andy that if he ever needs me again, I could come back and do this again. I would love to.” Said Federer. “I love to play for a good cause. I love teaming up with Andy and with fellow greats of the game.”
Federer, who leads Murray 14-11 in their head-to-head on the tour, also praised the Brit for his commitment to the sport. So far in Murray’s career, he has earned over $60 million in prize money. Winning a total of 45 titles on the ATP Tour, including three grand slams.
“Andy has done so much for Scotland and so much for the game of tennis. He’s worked extremely hard, he travelled the world for year’s.” Federer said of Murray.
It is yet to be confirmed how much money has been raised by the charity night. Last year the amount reached over £300,000.
NOTE: Alex Burton also contributed to this article
