04 July 2023 , 20:51
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Andy Murray had a special guest cheering him on to a straight sets win in the first round of Wimbledon on Tuesday … the brave woman who watched his triumph in 2016 from her Iranian prison cell.
After Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe told Murray how she had that match on her TV not long after being detained by Iranian authorities - starting six years of imprisonment - the two-times champion decided to invite her to see him play on Centre Court.
And Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41, was seated in the Royal Box, with the Princess of Wales and Roger Federer.
Murray said: “She seemed happy I got the win. It was brilliant she could come along.
"I found it very emotional listening to her and hearing her story and decided I wanted her to come and watch in a better place.”
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Murray's bid for an unlikely third Wimbledon title got off to a flying start and received the ‘royal’ seal of approval on Centre Court.
Murray declared himself in good enough form to beat “most of the players in the draw” and one Wimbledon legend looked impressed.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe took her place in the royal box at Wimbledon (PA)“It was amazing to have some royalty here and some tennis royalty as well,” smiled Murray, referring to the Princess of Wales and Federer, who watched his straight sets defeat of Ryan Peniston.
And when Federer was asked if he approved of Murray’s performance, the eight-times Wimbledon champion nodded enthusiastically, much to the delight of the Centre Court crowd.
“The last time I was on this court and he (Federer) was watching, it was the Olympics and he was sitting in Stan Warwinka’s box, supporting against me.
“So it was nice to get a couple of claps today.”
Murray advanced in straight sets (AP)Murray was clearly delighted with the 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 demolition of his fellow Brit and is optimistic of a good run, particularly as he feels in top shape.
The champion of 2013 and 2016 said: “Once I got the break in the first set, I think I played some good stuff. There were good signs there.
"It's been a long time since I've felt physically this good coming into Wimbledon. The last few years have been challenging. I'm hoping I'm fit and ready for a good run.
“I was pretty ruthless and there was no dip in my intensity.
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“I am playing well enough to beat most of the players in the draw and physically, I feel fine.”