Andy Murray has paid tribute to a superfan after his first-round victory over David Goffin at Indian Wells, admitting that he gave him a huge boost.
The British tennis legend produced a 6-3 6-2 win and will next face Russian fifth-seed Andrey Rublev in what is set to be a mouthwatering showdown in California.
Murray has won three of his last five matches on the ATP Tour and appears to be hitting some form again after a slow start to 2024.
Speaking after his victory over Goffin, Murray was asked to explain why he gave his towel to one particular fan in the crowd.
‘It was constant cheering during the match,’ Murray said. ‘But it wasn’t just like, ‘Come on’.
‘It was, ‘This is the best I’ve ever seen you serve, man’ and, ‘You’re moving great considering all your problems’ – and I was like ‘Yeah, thanks’.
‘I need a bit of that when I’m getting a bit down on myself. He was like a second coach!’
While Murray booked his spot in the second round, fellow British star Jack Draper was not able to join him after losing to world No.66 Christopher O’Connell.
In the women’s singles, British No.1 Katie Boulter was unable to build on her triumph in San Diego as she was beaten by Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
British duo Emma Raducanu and Dan Evans are in action on Thursday while Cameron Norrie received a bye into the second round thanks to his seeding.
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