Andy Murray arrived in Canada without a coach and a title this season and left on Sunday as a major contender for the US Open after a stunning defense of his Toronto Masters crown.
Murray capped an imperious week on the Canadian hard courts in style with a clinical 7-5, 7-5 win over Roger Federer to become the first back-to-back winner of the event since Andre Agassi in 1995.
Having reached the final in Los Angeles, Murray carried his form into Toronto dropping one set en route to the title.
PHOTO: AFP
The Scot ended Argentine David Nalbandian’s 11-match winning streak in the quarter-finals then became just the fifth player to beat world No. 1 Rafael Nadal and Federer in the same event.
“It was one of the best weeks I’ve had,” Murray told reporters. “Winning a tournament is always great, but it’s the first time I beat Roger and Rafa in the same tournament, which is probably the most pleasing thing ... And I didn’t drop a set against either of them.”
Murray has long favored hard courts and all four of his victories in 12 meetings with Spaniard Nadal have come on the surface.
PHOTO: REUTERS
All of his wins over Federer have also come on hard courts and the victory in Toronto left him with a 7-5 winning record over the Swiss master.
The numbers may give Murray hope of ending Britain’s long wait for a men’s grand slam champion in the lead-up to Flushing Meadows, but the Scot has enjoyed similar strong form in the past only to crash out in the high-stakes matches.
Murray roared into the final of this year’s Australian Open only to be humbled in straight sets to Federer, who was also his master in the final of the 2008 US Open.
Murray was optimistic, albeit cautiously so, about his chances at Flushing Meadows.
“I know things can change in a very short space of time but obviously I feel good after this week,” said Murray, who split with his long-time coach Miles Maclagan just three weeks ago.
“[The US Open has] always been a tournament I love playing, so hopefully I can do well there ... I want to win [a grand slam] ... I believe I’m good enough to but it’s a very, very difficult thing to do,” Murray said. “It’s a tough era but it’s also something that is exciting and challenging and that’s why I think if you can do it, it makes it a much, much greater achievement.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely