Published 08:30 IST, October 3rd 2019
Andy Murray receives a mysterious gift from his fans in Beijing
Andy Murray received a mysterious gift from his fans in Beijing after winning at the China Open on October 1 and recovering from a successful hip surgery
British tennis player Andy Murray claimed another win following his comeback from a hip-injury, at the China Open on October 1 where he also received a mysterious gift from his fans in China. A fan gave him a gift which he thinks is a fish fossil in Beijing. "I got given the other day like a fish fossil. That's what it was, wasn't it? It was really, really old. I don't know how old. I got given that,(sic)” Murray said in an interview to the ATP.
“It was just pretty thoughtful. I've never been given that before, anything like that.” Andy Murray claimed that he hasn't received gifts from fans at any other tournament but in China, he gets to take a few things home which are gifted by his fans.
Murray's double wins at the China Open
On October 1, Murray claimed his biggest win at the China Open since his recovery from a career-threatening hip injury by beating Italian player Matteo Berrettini, and then also beating Cameron Norrie in the next round. Last week, Murray had won his first ATP Singles game since undergoing a crucial hip surgery in January 2019. In this match, Murray who is now at the 503rd rank in the game showcased glimpses of his determination that originally made him no.1 in June 2016.
Andy Murray after recovering from injury
Andy Murray looked fatigued at the end of the match, slumping in his chair at the Zhuhai Championships. There were glimpses of Murray at his best as he completed the first set in 41 minutes after the 69th-ranked Tennys Sandgren planted a backhand wide. Murray, finally free of hip pain and now attempting to get ready to mount a challenge, gave a subtle fist-pump. Murray spent match point in the second-set tie break as Sandgren forced a deciding set. But the American folded in the third, seemingly affected by a foot injury which required extensive strapping with him 3-0 down in the decider.
Updated 11:19 IST, October 3rd 2019