Scottish tennis star Andy Murray got to see the tennis court from a different vantage point recently. The former world number one is currently in China, trying to reverse his fortune. Murray had some fun along the way, as he tested out the umpire’s chair. His antics left the tennis world in splits and even got a reaction out of Holger Rune.
This year has been a mixed bag for Andy so far. While he has played beautifully, with glimpses of his past self, he does not have much to show for it. Andy got knocked out of both Wimbledon and the US Open in the second round. The Scot hopes to turn the tide during the Asian swing, leaving some room for a bit of amusement.
TennisTV shared a hilarious clip of Andy ahead of his match against Roman Safiullin at the Shanghai Masters. He climbed onto the umpire’s chair, at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena. It was an electronically controlled chair, and rose above the court, offering him a new perspective. Murray could not help but comment on the view he got from that position.
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Tennis fans were left in splits as this clip gained traction online. Even Holger Rune dropped a comment, as another fan called it a “Code Violation.” Here are a few fan reactions to the clip.
Oh my goodness! What is this Paddington level behaviour?😂 https://t.co/tcJSg7dgaS
— Showrya (@showryat) October 4, 2023
He’s a deeply unserious man, and I love him so much! 😂🤭 https://t.co/ndjEcvm1QF
— JTM (@muzzeltov) October 4, 2023
This has tickled me more than it should 😂 https://t.co/OOdRBwsSJi
— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) October 4, 2023
Andy Murray’s childish antics have once again endeared him to his fans. He came to China on the back of a difficult season but still managed to bring a smile to people’s faces.
Andy Murray is still on the hunt for another title
The Scot has had an awful year so far. His quest for another title continues, as Safiullin knocked him out of the Shanghai Masters in the opening round itself.
The 26-year-old Russian defeated Andy 3-6 2-6 in straight sets in front of a packed house. Murray’s Asian swing has been disappointing so far. He lost to Aslan Karatsev in the second round at Zhuhai and squandered away 3-match points against Alex de Minaur in Beijing. And now he has been eliminated in the first round in Shanghai.
A tense finish to an intense match ⚡️
Roman Safiullin defeats the 3 time champion in Shanghai, Andy Murray, 6-3 6-2 💪@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/h10h5qzJJN
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 4, 2023
Historically, Andy has done well at this tournament in the past. He has won the title thrice in his career. The first time he won the title was back in 2010 and replicated his success the following year as well. Murray won it again in 2016 when he defeated Roberto Bautista Agut in the final.
Andy Murray is still trying to find his rhythm after a string of bad performances, across the globe. It seems that his quest for a deep run at an event is still on.
