WHAT outrageous demands does Roger Federer require for his rider? Which golf courses should his dad Robert play when he is in town? Thankfully Judy Murray doesn’t have to concern herself with all the minutiae of November’s Andy Murray Live event with its Swiss superstar special guest.
But, the Murrays are meticulous in their planning as ever, and there is no denying the exhibition match at the SSE Hydro on November 7 for Unicef and local charities is a seriously big date in her youngest son’s diary.
In fact, aside from the birth of his second child sometime in October, it is the only one, Andy having ringfenced his participation despite clearing his schedule for the next few months as he rests and rehabilitates the damaged hip.
And there is no greater advertisement out there than Federer – perhaps not even his long time rival Rafa Nadal – when it comes to reinventing yourself after serious injury when the wrong side of 30.
Speaking as she conducted a fun skills session with pupils from John Paul Academy secondary school and members from the Western tennis club, Judy said that both Andy and Jamie can draw from the example of the Swiss legend to ensure they are capable of competing for the biggest titles deep into their 30s.
Twelve months after both appeared mentally and physically burned out, Roger and Rafa have shared out 2017’s Grand Slam titles with two apiece. To date the Murray clan have collected just the eight Grand Slams, two Olympic golds, one Olympic silver, one Davis Cup and two World No 1 rankings.
“You never know what is around the corner, but they [Andy and Jamie] are both as driven as ever,” said Judy. “It is incredible what Roger and Rafa have done this year, but that all goes back to all the advice and the advances there has been in sports science that there are out there,” she added. “It allows you to say ‘I know exactly what I am dealing with’. ‘I am going to take the time out, I am going to get it right, and I’m going to come back’.”
Making in excess of £300,000 for Unicef and local charities, in addition to boosting the profile of tennis in this country, Federer’s guest appearance should take the event to another level this year.
“Andy played his event in Zurich so they are kind of helping each other out,” said Judy. “I was speaking to Fed’s dad in New York. He is going to be coming over with him, and is planning to play golf at St Andrews and do the whole golf tourism thing when he is over.”
“It is great to be able to bring world class tennis to Glasgow, to Scotland, and to bring Roger Federer, possibly the greatest player of all time, to Scotland for the first time is a huge thing. There’s obviously that going on and we have the doubles, with Mansour Bahrami – maybe the biggest entertainer in tennis – Tim Henman, and Jamie, who is just back from winning his fifth Grand Slam. So there is a lot for Scottish tennis fans to get their teeth into.”
And as for what Roger has requested for his dressing room? “I’m not sure about that side of it! That’s not my domain. But we are very, very happy to be welcoming him to Scotland.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here