It was the year 2019. Andy Murray had returned to the ATP Tour after undergoing hip surgery in the previous year. However, during a press conference before the start of the 2019 Australian Open, the British star broke down and admitted the extent of his hip problems that weren’t healed even with surgery. The former World Number 1 played that tournament but lost in the opening round against Roberto Bautista Agut.

Subsequently, Murray missed the other three Grand Slam tournaments that year. He then underwent another surgery and had a metal joint inserted in his hip. That hasn’t stopped Murray from making his return to the sport that he has lived for. Recently, NFL star quarterback Kirk Cousins heaped praise on his never-say-die attitude.

Kirk Cousins in awe of Andy Murray

During an interview, Cousins, who is a huge tennis fan, talked about Murray’s comeback to tennis after his hip problems. He said, “I admire your grit. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of him: his grit, toughness, the ability to come back from injury.”

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Further, he added, “Tennis is already mentally [difficult] as a singles player, you’re on your own. Matches can get long, you need to dig deep. It can be mentally and emotionally heartbreaking. The way he’s handled not only his career, but individual matches, it is inspiring to watch and kind of helps me with what I’m doing.”

Murray bows out of the Hall of Fame Open

Yesterday, the former World Number 1 lost in the quarterfinals of the Hall of Fame Open in Newport against Alexander Bublik. Murray was the sixth seed and had received a wildcard entry to play in the tournament. However, his campaign ended in the quarterfinals, as Bublik defeated him in straight sets (7-5 6-4).

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Murray will hope to come back strongly in the upcoming hard-court tournaments. Meanwhile, Bublik will take on Jason Kubler of Australia in the semifinals of the Hall of Fame Open.