Tennis superstar Andy Murray showed that he is a man of class ahead of his exhibition match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. 12-time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic pulled out from the Abu Dhabi exhibition just a couple of hours before his match against Roberto Bautista Agut. Murray, who happened to be in the United Arab Emirates (as he flew to Abu Dhabi to get some practice in before next week's Brisbane International) accepted the spot as a last-minute replacement and played against Bautista Agut. The three-time Grand Slam champion received a warm welcome as many fans gathered outside the arena to greet the Scot.
Unfortunately, the fans couldn't get an autograph from Murray, but the former world No. 1 kindly apologized to the fans, as he was in a rush -- which melted the fans' hearts.
A collective "aaawww" from the fans as Andy Murray apologizes to them and explains he has to run to the court for his match and has no time for autographs. He's a class act. Sure they know that. pic.twitter.com/kbFBIPqsv1
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) December 29, 2017
Murray suffers a loss
Murray has been recovering from a hip injury for the last six months as he hasn't played an ATP event since Wimbledon. The Scot played a charity match against the great Roger Federer at the beginning of November -- which he lost. Spanish world No.
20 Bautista Agut had no problems handling Murray in Abu Dhabi as he handed the Scot a 6-2 loss in the best-of-one set exhibition match. As expected, the 30-year-old looked rusty and not at his best as he will need time to find his rhythm and get in the zone. But most importantly, Murray sounded optimistic after the match, as he noted that he feels better and better.
Murray flies to Brisbane
Murray is expected to officially make his comeback to the tour at the Brisbane International -- from December 31st to January 7th. The three-time Grand Slam champion quickly got on the plane from Abu Dhabi to Brisbane after his match. The fact that the Scot decided to fly to Brisbane is a positive sign, as there has been doubt over whether he will be ready in time to play at the Brisbane event.
The 30-year-old has had success so far in his career in Queensland, as he went all the way in Brisbane in his previous two appearances -- 2012 and 2013.
Andy Murray currently on a flight to Brisbane.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) December 29, 2017
It appears that Murray felt sufficiently happy with what happened in Abu Dhabi to carry on to Brisbane, and will be in the draw for next week (made later tonight).
— Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) December 29, 2017
It appears that Murray felt sufficiently happy with what happened in Abu Dhabi to carry on to Brisbane, and will be in the draw for next week (made later tonight).
— Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) December 29, 2017
Good news that Andy Murray obviously felt sufficiently happy with his one-set outing in Abu Dhabi to race to his flight to Brisbane. Very interesting to see what kind of draw he gets now
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) December 29, 2017
Good news that Andy Murray obviously felt sufficiently happy with his one-set outing in Abu Dhabi to race to his flight to Brisbane. Very interesting to see what kind of draw he gets now
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) December 29, 2017
Brisbane has had enough blows
The Brisbane International is certainly hoping to not suffer yet another blow.
The Brisbane event has already lost a couple of big names such as Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori, as they pulled out from the event. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray and Spain's Nadal were expected to lead the star-studded Brisbane field. Fortunately for Brisbane, it seems that they have avoided another blow as the Scot seems to be ready to play at the event.
