Jack Draper’s clash against Novak Djokovic reminds Andy Murray of his Wimbledon debut against David Nalbandian 16 years ago – as he admits he wasn’t well prepared for fame
- Andy Murray has recalled his defeat to David Nalbandian at Wimbledon in 2005
- Murray says that he wasn’t prepared well for the pressure of becoming famous
- The Scot found it difficult to cope with paparazzi being outside his house
- 19-year-old Jack Draper is in a similar situation as he takes on Novak Djokovic
- Murray told Draper to not fear the moment and to go out and enjoy himself
Andy Murray’s life changed for ever when he made his Wimbledon debut as a raw teenager 16 years ago and a raucous run to a third-round, five-set defeat by David Nalbandian embedded him in the national consciousness.
Murray recalls: ‘I remember being nervous, but I was just playing purely on instinct at that time. There were no consequences. I was just going out there and winging it a little bit, doing what I’d always loved.’
Now 34, he makes his singles return on Monday for the first time since 2017 when a hip injury prompted a prolonged absence from a sport he was dominating.
Jack Draper’s Wimbledon opener has reminded Andy Murray of his clash with David Nalbandian in 2005 and he has admitted he wasn’t well prepared for fame
Mindful of how fellow Brit Jack Draper will make his debut against Novak Djokovic in similar circumstances to his own, Murray warns: ‘I had lots of attention on me. I had paparazzi follow me back to my house. I was on the front page of all the newspapers. It was a huge change for me. I was not very well-prepared and maybe not that well-protected from [it] at that time.
‘There’s definitely some things I would have liked to have done differently myself, but also maybe people around me could have helped a little bit, as well.’
Only time will tell if Londoner Draper, 19, can emulate Murray, but the Scot says the talented youngster should just savour the moment. Draper is ranked 250 and showed his potential by reaching the quarter-finals at Queens.
Now he faces the defending champion and world No 1 and Murray said: ‘He’s going to be feeling nervous, there’s going to be pressure on him to go out there and perform.
‘I would say just to try to take it all in and don’t fear that moment. Go out, just go for it, enjoy it.’
Murray told 19-year-old Draper to enjoy himself when he takes on Djokovic on Monday
Murray starts his campaign against Georgian world No 28 Nikoloz Basilashvili, a player under criminal investigation for allegedly assaulting his ex-wife.
Asked how he felt about playing him, Murray questioned the lack of rules and protocol that allow him to play.
With that he was back to the practice courts, where he has been renewing his friendly on-court rivalry with Roger Federer.
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer commented: ‘I thought he looked good. You can see how comfortable he is on grass. Clearly it’s just practice, we’re trying things. But I hope he can go deep here, have a nice run. Same for me.’
l Wimbledon saw its first Covid-induced withdrawal last night when Danish doubles player Freddie Nielsen was identified as a close contact and forced to isolate for 10 days. Nielsen won the men’s doubles with Britain’s Jonny Marray in 2012.
Murray questioned the lack of rules that allows Nikoloz Basilashvili to be able to face him
Murray has been practicing with Roger Federer, who was full of praise for the British star
Wimbledon saw its first Covid-induced withdrawal on Saturday when Danish doubles player Freddie Nielsen was identified as a close contact and forced to isolate for 10 days. Nielsen won the men’s doubles with Britain’s Jonny Marray in 2012.