Andy Murray on loneliness on tour, crafting with his kids and life after tennis

Many sportspeople dread retirement after dedicating their life to competing, but Andy Murray isn’t too concerned about what the future holds.

“When I finish playing, I’m going to spend more time with my family, and I’m looking forward to that,” says the 35-year-old. “I think everyone who’s got a family got more of a taste of what that would be like during lockdown. Also when I’ve had injuries over the last few years and I spent more time at home, it’s made me more OK with the idea of when I do have to stop playing, everything’s going to be fine.

“I really enjoyed being at home and doing the more mundane things with my children – having the routine, taking them into school and picking them up, getting up at a certain time, having their bedtimes at a certain time.”

Structure is important to the Scottish player, who says: “At times when I was younger, if I was injured, I didn’t have that routine and I didn’t get to play, I wasn’t able to go and compete – I found that quite difficult. Whereas I think now when I finish playing, that’s one of the things I look forward to – having that routine with the family as well.”

Murray might be reflecting on life after tennis, but that doesn’t mean he’s cruising towards retirement. He’s won three Grand Slam singles titles during his career, and is gearing up for a shot at another with the US Open kicking off on August 29. As we edge closer to another major tournament, Murray is classically cool, calm and collected.

“I think this is the 18th year I’ve been on the tour, so I don’t overthink it too much,” he reflects – but nerves do tend to come out, particularly a few days before matches. “Generally – for me, anyway – when I get stressed or nervous about something, it is usually for