Following his incredible run to Indian Wells gold last week, Andy Murray hailed Cameron Norrie as a “great example” for others.
Norrie surpassed Dan Evans as the new British No. 1 before defeating Nikoloz Basilashvili to win the unofficial ‘fifth major’ in California, something Murray has yet to achieve.
He is now ranked 16th after starting the season ranked 71st. With a strong chance of reaching the ATP Finals at the end of the season.
“I’d be lying if I said that I called that to be honest.
“However, I have spent a decent amount of time around him and practised with him quite a lot and he works extremely hard,” Murray said as per reports on Tennis Up To Date.
“I think he’s a great example for not just British players but all tennis players to look at and go, if you put the effort in day in, day out and properly dedicate yourself to the sport, have an attitude like he does, it can take you a long, long way.
“It was obviously a phenomenal achievement, but I think maybe the season that he’s having is more impressive than that one week.
“Every week he’s winning matches, he’s played six finals, and this year he’s looking like he’s going to win more matches on the tour than he had in every season that he’d had beforehand combined.
“So that shows you how much of an improvement he’s made. I knew he was good, but to be top 20 in the world and pushing for a spot in the tour finals is an incredible effort.”
Murray’s loss at the Indian Wells
Andy Murray’s ranking has went up to 172 after the points from his 2019 European Open victory.
He’s back in Belgium, where he won his last singles title. A dramatic victory over Stan Wawrinka in the final, earlier this year.
The last few months have been his most promising in the two years since his hip resurfacing surgery. While being able to play a series of events and exhibiting excellent form, the Scot has struggled to win.
Murray’s third-round loss to Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells was his latest painful loss to a top player. He berated himself as he walked off the court.
“A few things need to change for me to do that but I don’t see a physical issue for me not to be able to do it,” Murray said in a press conference.
“And also I believe my tennis is there at a level where, if I get through one of those matches, there’ll be a big week soon. I beat Basilashvili earlier this year and he’s playing in the final of Masters.
“I practised with Cam Norrie loads of times and handled myself just fine.”
Read More: Murray knocked out of the San Diego Open as Norrie wins against Evans