Motivated Murray Hits 500 Match Wins
Miami, U.S.A.
by James Buddell
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ATPWorldTour.com pays tribute to Andy Murray, who has recorded his 500th match win.
Today at Crandon Park, venue of the Miami Open presented by Itau and just a few miles from his ‘second’ home, the greatest British player of the modern era has attained another milestone.
Andy Murray’s victory over Kevin Anderson on Tuesday in Miami, his training base for up to three months of the year, meant that he has become the first British player in the Open Era (since 1968) to record 500 match wins – more than Tim Henman (496) and Greg Rusedski (436) accrued.
"It means a lot," Murray told Sky Sports. "There's not a whole lot [of players] that have managed to get to 500. It's very nice to have done that. To do it here in Miami was quite fitting. I've done a lot of hard yards on this court, put in a lot of work here.
"I hope it's not the last match I win! I hope I've got a few more in my career. There's a certain number I'd like to get to before I finish playing. Hopefully my body will hold up and give me the opportunity to get there."
MURRAY JOINS ACTIVE 500-MATCH WINS CLUB
Murray is the ninth active player on the ATP World Tour - and the 46th player overall in the Open Era - to join the 500 Match Wins Club. Here are the active players to reach the milestone:
Player
Career Match Record
1) Roger Federer
1,012-229
2) Rafael Nadal
721-145
4) David Ferrer
623-296 (prior to Miami QF)
3) Novak Djokovic
625-142 (prior to Miami QF)
5) Lleyton Hewitt
612-255
6) Tommy Haas
561-315
7) Tomas Berdych
507-266 (prior to Miami QF)
8) Tommy Robredo
505-322
9) Andy Murray
500-155
Memories of the Scot cramping during matches early in his career are hazy, for the counter-puncher has become stronger, more agile and dependable on all surfaces.
In striving to be the best, Murray has, at times, been ruthless in his decision making. From switching coaches to developing new match strategy and tactics, the former World No. 2 has been forced to learn fast.
As a result he continues to evolve in his ninth year within the Top 10 of the Emirates ATP Rankings. By challenging and keeping pace with his great rivals, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic (625 match wins), No. 2 Roger Federer (1,012) and No. 3-ranked Rafael Nadal (721), he has become one of Great Britain’s best known sports stars.
The emotional response that was evident following his triumphs at the London 2012 Olympics (d. Federer), one month later at the US Open (d. Djokovic) and, in particular, his historic 2013 Wimbledon win (d. Djokovic), did much to popularise and grow his fan base. For the first time, the British public saw Murray the person, and what it meant to be dedicated to his craft.
Away from the court, his wedding ceremony to his long-time girlfriend, Kim Sears, on 11 April, is eagerly anticipated. For so long, Kim and the influence of his mother, Judy, have been inspiring figures courtside. His amusing posts and #AskAndy sessions on Twitter, in addition to his extensive charity work – for the likes of UNICEF, United for Wildlife, Malaria No More and cancer causes – have given sport’s lovers access to Murray’s make-up.
MURRAY'S MATCH WINS MILESTONES
Match Win No. & Opponent
Tournament (Round)
No. 1 - d. Santiago Ventura
2005 London-Queen's Club (1R)
No. 100 - d. Fernando Verdasco
2007 St. Petersburg (Final)
No. 200 - d. Fabio Fognini
2009 Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo (3R)
No. 300 - d. Robin Soderling
2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (RR)
No. 400 - d. Tatsuma Ito
2012 Roland Garros (1R)
No. 500 - d. Kevin Anderson
2015 Masters 1000 Miami (4R)
Murray shows no signs of relenting in his pursuit of excellence, just weeks away from his 28th birthday. Fitter and leaner, he continues to play with greater variety and looks for ways to improve every aspect of his game.
In adding a new team member, Jonas Bjorkman, who helped Murray assimilate to life on the ATP World Tour as a teenager, the London-based star has signaled his intent to play with greater aggression – on return of serve and at the net – in the months to come.
Together with Amelie Mauresmo, his coach of nearly 10 months, Murray will be looking to add to his tally of 31 singles trophies, including nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000s. In a golden era of men’s professional tennis, many will hope that he can add to not only his own legacy, but that of the ‘Big Four’.
