It’s the story of a brand that has been with him for “twenty-three, twenty-four years”, rackets that have led him to the greatest joys, three Grand Slam trophies – US Open 2012, Wimbledon 2013 and 2016 -, two Olympic titles (2012, 2016), the Davis Cup in 2015, a Masters (2016) and the world number 1 position. They also escorted him during his eight lost Major finals and moments of suffering when his right hip never left him alone. For several weeks, Andy Murray and Head have no longer moved forward together. “I haven’t left Head,” the 75th in the world said with a laugh on Saturday.
Everything starts from a sports store
Still, the Scotsman no longer plays with a racket from the brand that counts Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner or Coco Gauff as muses. In Bordeaux two weeks ago, he was training with an executive from the Yonex brand. And this Sunday evening against his rival and friend Stan Wawrinka (39), who massacred him less than four years ago (6-1, 6-3, 6-2) on this same Philippe-Chatrier court, this will still be the case.
It all happened at once. On March 24 in Miami, Murray injured his left ankle and gave in (5-7, 7-5, 7-6 [5]) against the Czech Tomas Machac. In Florida, he took the opportunity to go to a sports store. He leaves with around ten rackets, in addition to a scale and a strip of adhesive lead useful for modifying the weight of his work tool. “It kept me busy during rehabilitation. » Through testing and tinkering, he turned to the Yonex teams. “I really liked the racket, I really enjoyed playing with it. »
“Tennis is a strange sport, there are very few players who really change their equipment during their career”
At 37 years old and a few months away from putting away his rackets for good, Murray continues to question himself, to look for the keys to vibrate a little longer. “Tennis is a strange sport, there are very few players who really change their equipment during their career,” he said. But things are changing, the game has changed. »
“I know they want the best for Murray,” said a Yonex athlete, Belgian Zizou Bergs (102nd), qualified for the final draw. If it’s not the best racquet for him, I’m sure Yonex would have said, “No, we’re not taking it.” They are so honest in Japanese culture. I hope it works out well for him. » For the moment, Yonex has remained discreet and has not communicated on this subject, nor has Head.
Murray has good feelings with this racket in training, less so in matches – beaten in the second round of the Bordeaux Challenger and entering Geneva. “But I think it was the right time. We’ll see what happens. » His 24th duel against Wawrinka, another Yonex athlete, was a test. For his left ankle, always, and for his new racket.
