“It’s a legitimate way of serving”- Andy Murray defends the use of underarm serve against James Duckworth at Wimbledon


“It’s a legitimate way of serving”- Andy Murray defends the use of underarm serve against James Duckworth at Wimbledon

Andy Murray

Following his victory over James Duckworth in the Wimbledon first round, Andy Murray refuted accusations that the underarm serve is disrespectful. Murray won the match 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 in two hours and 43 minutes on Centre Court while playing for the first time since suffering an abdominal injury in the Stuttgart Open final earlier this month.

Andy Murray made an underarm shot throughout the game that drew condemnation from all across the world. In the third set of his 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory, the British player used the shot, which some people viewed as unsportsmanlike. The surprise element of the strategy paid off as James Duckworth recovered the ball before Murray scored on the short ball.

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“I personally have no issue with players using it”- Andy Murray

Andy Murray
Andy Murray

In his post-match press conference, Murray defended his shot. The two-time Wimbledon champion claimed it was a viable strategy for surprising rivals. He said, “He changed his return position, that’s why I did it. He was struggling a little bit on the first-serve return, so he stepped probably two metres further back. As soon as I saw him step further back, I threw the underarm serve in.”

Andy Murray defended his actions by adding, “I personally have no issue with players using it. I never have. Certainly, more and more players have started returning from further, further behind the baseline now to give themselves the advantage to return. The underarm serve is a way of saying: ‘If you’re going to step back there, then I’m going to possibly throw that in’.”

“I’ve never understood that. It’s a legitimate way of serving. I would never use an underarm serve if someone was standing on the baseline because I think it’s a stupid idea because they’re going to track it down and it’s easy to get. If they stand four or five metres behind the baseline, then why would you not do that to try to bring them forward if they’re not comfortable returning there’ Tactically it’s a smart play, “ He further added.

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