Andy Murray's antics caused 'nervous wreck' mum Judy to drink at Australian Open

10 January 2024 , 11:54

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Judy Murray and Andy Murray (Image: Getty Images)

Andy Murray is set to compete at this year's Australian Open, having driven his mum Judy to drink during a dramatic win at last year's tournament.

Murray, who has finished runner-up five times but never won the Grand Slam, enjoyed his best showing at the tournament since 2017 last year as he reached the third round. The Brit knocked out 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in a hard-fought five-set victory in the first round.

The match lasted almost five hours and Eurosport presenter Barbara Schett revealed Murray's mum had told her she was a "nervous wreck" and needed to visit the champagne bar to calm her nerves.

"I spoke to Judy Murray who was sitting in the stands right behind Ivan Lendl and I," Schett revealed after the match. "I told her congratulations, well done, that must have been tough. Any more grey hairs on your head?

"She said 'I went straight to the Champagne bar. Why is he doing this to me? I'm a nervous wreck!' So she had a few champagnes and felt better. She said 'Having two boys playing on tour for 18 years, this is taking a toll'."

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Murray went on to beat Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round, before being knocked out by Roberto Bautista Agut. And the 36-year-old is feeling confident heading into this year's Australian Open.

That is despite starting the new year with defeats to Grigor Dmitrov at the Brisbane International and Marin Cilic in an exhibition game in Melbourne. "I hope that I do better than last year," Murray said.

Murray is feeling confident heading into this year's Australian Open (Getty Images)

"I didn't feel like actually I played well last year. I certainly lost a number of matches that I could have won and I know that I've made improvements in the offseason and I want to put that on the match court.

"I really didn't feel good on the court at all last year so hopefully with a few improvements and feeling a bit better, I can certainly challenge the top players. Last year, I felt like because I was not serving well, when it came serving for matches, I was not getting many free points, ending up in long rallies.

"Just not feeling comfortable on the court. So hopefully with some improved serving and feeling a bit better about my game, when I put myself in those situations, it goes well."

Matthew Cooper