Advantage Murray

While Andy Murray has refuted claims that he took a medical ‘time-out’ to gain an advantage in a match played last year, the world number three has admitted that having more psychology between tennis players could add to the sport’s appeal.

The Scot vehemently denies using underhand tactics to gain an advantage over Ernests Gulbis at Queen’s Club last summer but told Tim Lovejoy’s channelbee.com that psychology features largely in the game.

He said: “There is quite a lot of psychology in tennis but you will rarely see it. John McEnroe has said that he used psychology as a sort of tactic. I wish there was more of it going on, as it makes it more interesting to watch.

“For example, Rafael Nadal always likes to cross the net second. So he waits. Sometimes a player will hit an ace or a good shot and they’ll want to use the same ball for the next point. So sometimes the opponent will hold it and wait until the time is up and throw it back. Just little things like that which go on.”

The world number three also thinks that the new Centre Court is helping give players an advantage at SW19 when it comes to the changeable British weather.

He commented: “It makes a big difference. If you play all your matches on Centre Court then you know that every day you are going to get finished. You’re not going to get held up by the weather, which the rest of the guys that are playing on other courts might.

“They may have to play out two or three days in a row, where as you will always be on schedule.”

Murray could become the first Britain to win the men’s championships in 73 years and believes that the huge swell of support he’s being shown on court could be to his advantage.

“When you have the whole crowd behind you it makes a huge difference. With that everyone says there is huge pressure and expectation, which is the same in any sport. There is that certain pressure and you can hear people groaning if you put the ball out but I enjoy playing in front of big crowds. The big tournaments are the reason you play the sport.”

The full interview with Andy is available to watch everyday this week at channelbee.com. Or you can view it here: