Murray to master art of peak performance
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.He will fulfil a commitment to play an exhibition in Aberdeen in three weeks' time, but for most of this month Andy Murray's rackets will stay firmly in their bag.
The 19-year-old Scot's season ended here on Thursday night when he was beaten 7-6, 6-0 by Dominik Hrbaty in the third round of the Paris Masters. When asked if he was looking forward to an eight-week spell away from competitive tennis - he begins his preparations for the Australian Open by playing in Doha at the turn of the year - Murray's eyes lit up. "I can't wait," he said.
Not that the British No 1 will while away the next two months sunning himself on a tropical beach. After playing in the Aberdeen Cup - and fitting in some driving lessons during the short spell back in his homeland - Murray will spend up to four weeks in the United States working on his game with Brad Gilbert, his coach, and on his fitness. In the meantime, he is thinking of taking his first holiday for six years, though the rackets are likely to accompany him on the plane.
"I'll see what Brad wants me to do," Murray said. "I obviously want to take a break. I prefer hitting for 30 minutes once every three days just to keep my eye in, even if I'm not really moving. I wouldn't mind taking a holiday somewhere, relaxing, getting in the sun, just having a bit of time to myself."
Murray admits he feels tired after 10 months of globetrotting and wants to plan his timetable more carefully in future. "I'm going to know how to schedule my tournaments better and when and how to peak for the important ones, which maybe I didn't know how to do this year," he said.
Murray is also looking for consistency. He has climbed to No 19 in the world from No 65 at the start of the year, won his first tournament, reached the last 16 at Wimbledon and the US Open and defeated Roger Federer - but he has also lost at the first hurdle in 10 of the 26 tournaments he has played.
"I feel like the shots are there, the game is there," he said. "I think I've shown that by the players I've beaten this year. It's just the consistency that needs to get a little better."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments