Andy Murray wants little to do with tennis as he recovers from a Roger Federer drubbing at Wimbledon but the Scot insists he will be ready for next week’s Davis Cup quarter-final against France.
Murray’s hopes of winning a second title at the All England Club were crushed on Centre Court as Federer produced a sublime display to win 7-5 7-5 6-4 and book a final with Novak Djokovic.
While Federer looks to clinch a record eighth Wimbledon success, Murray must turn his attention to the Davis Cup, where Britain are looking to reach a first semi-final since 1981.
Murray has six days to recuperate before the tie begins at Queen’s Club and the Briton maintains that come Friday, he will be over his Wimbledon heartache and raring to go again.
“The match itself won’t be hard,” Murray said. “It’s more making sure that I do the right stuff over the next week really because the next few days are tough. When I’ve lost in slams in the past, it’s always the same a few days afterwards. I do find it hard.
“The match itself won’t be hard because I’m always pumped to play the Davis Cup.
“I’ve always enjoyed it when I’ve played but obviously I need to rest and then prepare properly for the tie. That’s the thing that I need to try and get right, which maybe for the next few days won’t be so easy.”
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Indeed, Murray is struggling with defeat so much he admits he may try and avoid Sunday’s final altogether.
“I’ll see how I feel because that was obviously a tough, tough one for me,” Murray said.
“But it should be a fantastic match. You never know how both are going to play on the day but I think Novak played some good stuff (in the semi-final). And if Roger serves well, serves like he did against me, he’ll give himself a great opportunity to win that match.”
Murray has now lost 12 consecutive encounters with Djokovic and Federer, with all three of his grand slam exits this year coming at the hands of the world’s number one and two players.
Years later, or even a day later, @andy_murray will look back and know that he could have done no better. @rogerfederer was flawless
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) July 10, 2015
Federer turns 34 next month but the Swiss was back to his scintillating best on Saturday and Murray admits he may have to find a new level to oust his fiercest rivals.
“It’s great that I get the opportunity to play against them,” Murray said. “I said yesterday, obviously when he (Federer) plays like that, he could play for a long time. You never know when the last time you’re going to play against him is at this stage.
“I do enjoy it. I do enjoy competing against him but I feel like I still have a few years left. I do genuinely feel like I’m improving my game, as well.
“This year so far has been my most consistent year by far – in comparison to last year, it’s night and day. I’m playing so much better than last year.
“It’s just still an extremely tough time to win these major events because the guys that are around are phenomenal tennis players.”
