Murray: Tears won’t return at Olympics
BRITISH No1 Andy Murray has vowed to control his emotions when he returns to Wimbledon at the weekend seeking to overcome his Wimbledon final heartbreak by claiming gold at the London 2012 Olympics.
The Scot broke down uncontrollably shortly after his four-set defeat to Roger Federer at the SW19 grand slam earlier this month, visibly distraught at having come so close to realising his dream in front of a fanatical home crowd.
He will return to Centre Court and more adoring British fans when the Olympic tennis competition begins at the iconic club on Saturday, less than three weeks after his ordeal, and believes the venue will inspire rather than subdue.
“I’m pretty confident I’ll be able to control my emotions,” said the 25-year-old. “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career, a lot of tough losses
I’ve had to come back from, and I’ve done that fine.
“I always think that Wimbledon has brought the best out of me; I’ve played most of my best tennis there, and I don’t see why that wouldn’t be the case at the start of the tournament.”
Murray, speaking at an Adidas event, played down talk of avenging his loss to Federer but admitted the tournament had come at the perfect time to lift his spirits and help him prepare for next month’s US Open.
“It’s not revenge – I won’t be playing Roger Federer again unless we both make it to the final, so that’s a long way away,” he added. “But I think I needed a tournament like this to get ready and help get over the disappointment of losing the final of Wimbledon. It’s come at the right time. I took a few days off but practice has been good.”
British women’s No1 Heather Watson, meanwhile, has been handed a last-minute place in the singles draw at London 2012, following the withdrawal of the injured Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko. Watson, 20, reached the third round of this year’s Wimbledon but had been overlooked when organisers instead handed wild cards to compatriots Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha.
Watson also partners teenager Laura Robson in the Olympic doubles.