Google News 'Rafael Nadal will not put his health at risk but...', says top coach
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 20445
Former world No. 1 Andy Murray played his first match in Newport in 16 years and it was a return to the US grass-court tournament. On Tuesday, Murray dispatched local favorite Sam Querrey 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the round of 16 of the tournament.
Murray, 35, made his Newport debut in 2005, when he reached the round of 16. In 2006, Murray reached the Newport semi-final before losing to Justin Gimelstob. A lot has changed since Murray reached the Newport semi-final in 2006, but he is certainly happy to be back competing in the American grass event.
"Obviously it's amazing to be back here and play on this court again after 16 years," Murray said in his on-court interview. "Many things have happened in this time: four children, married and all those things. But I'm happy to be back." It was actually Querrey who made the first move in the match, breaking Murray in the opening game of the match.
However, Murray was quick to respond as he broke Querrey three times in the rest of the set to go on to easily win the first game. After winning the last four games of the first set, Murray broke Querrey three times in the second set and finished the match on a 10-game win streak.
The game was played in windy conditions, but Murray was pleased that he was able to execute well and start his Newport campaign with a convincing win. "There was a lot of breeze and it was really tough, but we're doing the best we can given the conditions," added Murray.
"Any game that I have to play now I try to make the most of it." Like every other player, Rafael Nadal incurs many match injuries. However, unlike most tennis professionals, he has been dealing with a persistent foot injury almost since the start of his career.
Uncle Toni talks about Nadal
Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni Nadal has said that his nephew cannot think of giving up in difficult moments because he is not used to it. "The reality of my nephew, indeed, has been the one that I reminded my brother once when he told me that we rushed too many times: “If it hadn't been like that, Rafael would have lifted half of the Grand Slams he has”.
He, of course, will not put his health at risk, as he has stated lately, but the fact is that he combines a set of characteristics that allow him to make the most of his worst circumstances," Toni Nadal said. "First of all, he has an ability to endure suffering and to overcome extraordinary difficulty," Toni said.
"Already in 2005 he had to accept and internalize the pain in order to continue with his sports career. If we had given credit to the seriousness of his congenital injury, he would have retired in those early days and would not have even lifted the 2006 Roland Garros."
