Andy Murray turns to Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic for inspiration ahead of Wimbledon
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is hoping to draw inspiration from the age-defying feats of Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic at the French Open as he seeks to build momentum ahead of the grasscourt major this month. The 35-year-old, who skipped Roland Garros to preserve his fitness and prepare for Wimbledon, overcame Dutchman Gijs Brouwer 7-6(4), 7-6(3) to advance to the quarter-finals of the Surbiton Trophy Challenger event on Thursday. Murray said he had one eye on events in Paris, where Nadal and Cilic will be in semi-final action later on Friday.
"I don't know whether it is Rafa's last run or not because he seems to be doing physically really well during the event, so I hope he is able to continue going for a while," the Scot told reporters. The Spaniard, who turned 36 on Friday, is bidding for a record-extending 14th crown on the Parisian clay. Murray was equally impressed with former U.S.
Open champion Cilic, who has rolled back the years and emerged as a surprise contender in the French capital. "Cilic as well, he is someone I grew up with in the juniors and played a lot with. He has just made the semis of the French for the first ever time at 33 years old and is playing really well," he said.