Was it relief? Or was it simply pure joy? Whatever it was, Andy Murray’s reaction to a first tour victory since March was one of those trademark roars towards his box, a huge rush of adrenaline at a sensation he has not experienced much in 2024: winning.
Not one to keep an eye on his own facts and stats as his career draws to an anticipated close this summer, his mum Judy told him pre-match that this was his 1,000th match on tour and the five-time champion at Queen’s raised his level for the occasion and for the adoring British crowd. He beat Aussie qualifier Alexei Popyrin – ranked 81 places above him – in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, for a valuable first-round win.
