Naomi Osaka lauds ‘relentless’ Andy Murray as she discusses Brit’s potential retirement

Andy Murray and Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka expressed her admiration for Andy Murray as she spoke about the legacy the British legend will leave when he retires from tennis.

The four-time Grand Slam champion also admitted she “can’t fathom” the consistency of world No 1 Iga Swiatek and hailed the Polish star for being “great for the sport.”

Murray declared in February he is “not likely” to play beyond this summer, but he is yet to announce which tournament will be the last of his glittering career.

The former world No 1 is set to make his return to action later this month after accepting a wildcard to compete at the Geneva Open, which will begin on May 18.

The 36-year-old has not played since sustaining a full rupture of his ATFL and a near full thickness rupture of his CFL in his ankle in his third round match against Tomas Machac at the Miami Open in March.

Following the clay-court ATP 250 event in Geneva, Murray looks set to make what will likely be his final French Open appearance. Murray is only expected to play in the men’s doubles event, with reports suggesting he will team up with fellow Brit Dan Evans.

This move will work as preparation for this year’s Paris Olympics, which will also take place at Roland Garros from July 27 and August 4. The two-time Olympic champion has expressed his desire to play the Games for the final time this year.

Speaking after her opening round win against Clara Burel at the Italian Open, Osaka was asked for her thoughts on Murray ahead of his latest comeback.

“Yeah, it’s funny, I actually asked [my coach] Wim [Fissette] where Murray was because I haven’t seen him for a couple tournaments. I didn’t know that he was out,” said Osaka.

“I mean, for me, Murray’s such a great guy, such a tough competitor. I think it’s really amazing the fact that he loves tennis so much and he keeps coming back. He’s had all these injuries. He’s kind of relentless. Just his ability to keep playing matches at a high level.

“For me, when I think about him, when I think about the legacy that he leaves on tennis, obviously he’s done a lot for can I say UK tennis, or should I say British tennis.

“I think as a kid watching him on TV playing these amazing battles, he’s affected every tennis kid worldwide.

“Yeah, he’s been very vocal [on women’s tennis]. I know all tennis players and all female athletes really appreciate it.”

The former world No 1 also lauded the success of four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek and two-time Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka.

“Yeah, I mean, I always say this, but I think she’s incredible,” she said. “The way she’s able to maintain being No 1 and constantly do well at all the tournaments is something that I honestly can’t think of or can’t fathom back when I was No 1 for like five seconds (smiling).

“Yeah, I mean, I think she’s great for the sport. I also think watching Sabalenka doing so well is super, super fun. I hope that I’m able to play them both one day.”

Osaka will take on No 19 seed Marta Kostyuk in the second round in Rome today.