'Very nice' Andy Murray sportsmanship with Dominic Thiem, Novak Djokovic 'big challenge' - Madrid Open Diary

Great sportsmanship from Sir Andy Andy Murray shared a lovely moment with Dominic Thiem at the net after the British star claimed a straight-sets victory to move into the Madrid second round on Monday. Ad/> The former world No.

1, who has spent several seasons dealing with hip problems and recovering from surgeries, gave Thiem some encouraging words, urging him to stay positive in his comeback from a wrist injury that ruled him out for 10 months. ATP Madrid'I've hardly played on it!' — Murray delighted after first clay win in two years15 HOURS AGO “I hope you feel better soon.

I’m glad to see you back, keep going, it takes a lot of time but you’ll be fine,” Murray told the Austrian. Thiem later told reporters that moment meant a lot to him as the 2020 US Open champion resumes his search for a first victory since returning to competition end of March.

“That was very nice, his words at the net, and I think it’s worth even more from somebody like him who really went through that process,” said Thiem of Murray. “He is one of the few I guess can imagine that, how tough it is to come back after a major injury, and obviously he is also a role model, how good he came back with his hip injury.” /> 'New Simona' shaping up as surprise French Open contender with Madrid run Exclusive: Gauff inspired by Swiatek exploits with 'extra motivation' Beating Djokovic not an obsession for Monfils Gael Monfils will face Novak Djokovic in Madrid on Tuesday for the 18th time in their professional careers and the Frenchman enters their second-round showdown carrying a 0-17 losing record against his long-time rival.

Djokovic will lose his No. 1 ranking if he falls to Monfils in the Spanish capital, which would make way for Daniil Medvedev –