"He is playing to break records" - Murray on difference between his and Nadal's approach
ATP
Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are both certainly legends of the game, but in a recent interview, the British player admitted that their reasons for playing are currently different.
After his surgery, Murray finds it difficult to get back to the top of the ATP Rankings, but he can still play very solid matches and get important wins.
On the other hand, a few days ago, Nadal won his 22nd Grand Slam title, and Murray spoke about the difference between them. The former ATP World No. 1 player explained that while his motivation comes from enjoying the sport, the Spaniard wants to win titles.
"My motivation comes from enjoying the sport, loving the sport. My situation is a bit different to his, with the operation that I had. I believe he is playing to try and break records and win the major events."
"This year I practised for three weeks on the grass, didn’t really have any physical issues that were stopping me in my preparation. I got a lot of matches last week, and hopefully some more in the next couple of weeks in the build-up to Wimbledon."
"For me the past four or five years have been very different to that, playing Challengers and my ranking dropped. I feel like our situations are different, but ultimately the reasons I am still playing are because I love the game, and because I still think I can compete right at the highest level."
According to Murray, love for the sport is the only thing that could keep him motivated in his situation, as his level right now is much lower than it once used to be.
"Absolutely, you have to love it and be willing to play through some pain as you become an older athlete, but I think it is easier to play through the pain when you are competing for major titles."
"I feel like our situations are different, but ultimately the reasons I am still playing are because I love the game, and because I still think I can compete right at the highest level."
