“I think a lot of players should learn from that” – Gauff loves Murray’s attitude

US Open champion Coco Gauff has said that she is a big fan of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray for what he has done to improve the profile of women’s tennis and for his attitude on court.

Murray, who is widely expected to be the next big name to follow Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal into retirement later this year, has often spoken about how he likes to watch women’s tennis as much as the men’s and to improve the profile of the women’s game.

“My favorite video of him is at the press conference in Wimbledon where he was, like, the first male player. Honestly, it happens a lot in tennis where people say a stat, especially with the guys. I’ll be like, Well, I did it (smiling). It’s good when they specify. I think for what he’s done with the women’s game, him and his mother as well, have done a lot. I would say he’s one of the first male players to speak up about it.”

“He’s purely out here for the joy and the love of the game” – Gauff on Andy Murray

Gauff is through to the fourth round of the ongoing Italian Open where she will face former world No 2 Paula Badosa on Monday. The 20-year-old spoke about how Murray gives it his all irrespective of whether he is on the showcourts at a Grand Slam event or an outer court of an ATP Challenger event, something she feels other players could learn from.

“On court he’s just somebody that I don’t get how you can’t look up to him in a way with his situation battling with injuries. He’s purely out here for the joy and the love of the game. It’s unfortunate that he has to kind of be forced to retire because of his injuries. Maybe he’s not playing to the level that he wants. The guy just played incredible tennis in such a tough era. Did it even after with a metal hip.”

“I think you’ll see him playing challengers or on Centre Court Wimbledon, and he’s still giving it 100% of his all, which is something rare to see, especially when you’re later in your career, somebody giving it their all, no matter who’s watching. Could be in the back court or the center court. I think a lot of players should learn from that. I think he’s just someone who doesn’t care about courts or where he’s playing. He just wants to play. I think a lot of players can learn from that.”

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