Andy Murray has slammed an Australian Open TV commentator over a mentality jibe.
The 2024 Australian Open was one to forget for two-time Wimbledon champion Murray as he was knocked out in the first round.
Murray was thrashed by Argentine Tomas Etcheverry 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 inside the KIA Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
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After the match, the Brit hinted at a possible retirement as he stated that 2024 could be his last appearance at the Australian Open.
However, despite his early exit, Murray is still keeping a close eye on the action.
On Friday, 16-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva produced an epic comeback from 5-1 down in the deciding set to beat Diane Parry in the third round.
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The teenager is having a dream run at the Australian Open having already beaten number six seed Ons Jabeur.
During the match, Andreeva was criticised by a commentator for her ‘mental side of the game’.
Murray swiftly leapt to her defence as he wrote on social media: “Andreeva down 5-1 in third. Commentator ‘She really needs to work on mental side of her game.. she’s too hard on herself when she’s losing’.
“30 minutes later 7-6 Andreeva wins. Maybe the reason she turned the match round is because of her mental strength. Maybe she turned the match around because she is hard on herself and demands more of herself when she’s losing/playing badly? Winner.”
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During last year’s Wimbledon, Andreeva revealed that Murray is one of her idols.
She said: “I met Andy Murray here. But I'm too shy to talk to him.
“When I see him, I try to leave the facility super quick just to not to talk to him because I'm super shy!”
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Andreeva also revealed that she texted Murray after the Scotsman won the Aix-en-Provence title in May.
She said: “I said congratulations. He actually answered me, so I was really happy about it. He said thank you, and good luck in Roland Garros. Maybe that's why I'm playing that good now.”
Topics: Tennis, Andy Murray, Australian Open
Marcus Chan