‘Nadal’s Paris record won't be beaten’, predicts Murray
13 October, 2020
Andy Murray predicts Rafael Nadal’s record of 13 French Open titles will never be beaten as the British former world number 1 looks to bounce back Cologne this week from his own Roland Garros disappointment.
Murray, 33, the reigning Olympic champion, crashed out of last month’s French Open in straight sets with a lop-sided first-round defeat to Stan Wawrinka as he works his in the past from hip surgery. On Sunday, the Scot watched in awe as Nadal, 34, demolished Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the final at Roland Garros to win his 13th French Open title.
The Spaniard in addition has equaled the all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles held by Roger Federer, who hailed Nadal’s victory as “one of the sport’s greatest achievements”.
Murray echoed the Swiss legend and doubts anyone will even get near Nadal’s record in Paris.
“It’s an amazing achievement. I don’t feel that what he did at Roland Garros will ever be beaten. I simply don’t view it being topped,” Murray said in Cologne.
“He's one short of winning the same amount of Grand Slams as (Pete) Sampras did just at one tournament. It’s incredible.
“I don’t think it’ll be repeated and I don’t think anyone will be close.”
Murray reached the next round of the US Open in his first Slam since hip resurfacing surgery and Roland Garros was his third tournament this year after rehab.
Having needed wildcards to play in Paris and Cologne, Murray hopes the back-to-back ATP indoor tournaments on the Rhine might help improve his current ranking of 97th.
“It will be good to get a few matches in of these next couple of weeks - I hope to perform better than I did so in Paris,” said the Scot.
“I would like to win tournaments and progress the rankings.
“Physically, my body will feel better the more I play.
“Hopefully, I will play a lot over the next two weeks, perform well, and observe how it goes from then on.”
On Tuesday, Murray predicts a “tough” start against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco for the opportunity to play world number seven Alexander Zverev in the next round.
“Whoever gets through will face Sascha (Zverev) and he's obviously one of the top players in the world,” said Murray.
The Scot says he has already established to adapt after a hip surgery.
“It has truly gone well sometimes and sometimes been challenging,” he admitted.
“I was told it will be an 18-month process for my own body to get used to it.
“It changes just how your pelvis moves as well as your body needs to regulate.
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