Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Murray points to double-standards after Nadal cramps

January 22, 2015 12:50 IST

Following Rafael Nadal's problems with cramps in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, Andy Murray has taken a swipe at critics who gave him a hard time after his own struggles at the US Open.

Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to his doctors in his second round match against Tim Smyczek of USA during day three of the 2015 Australian Open on WednesdayThird seed Nadal fought through cramps all over his body on a balmy night at Rod Laver Arena to beat American qualifier Tim Smyczek in five sets and was praised for his fighting spirit in mainstream and social media.

Murray battled through cramps during his opening round win against Robin Haase at the US Open in August and complained of a different reaction on his Twitter account.

"When I cramped and won in the us open last year I was a "drama Queen, unfit, needs to see a shrink, faker" weird...", the Briton tweeted on Thursday.

Murray previously copped flak for having fitness problems at the 2012 French Open, where he overhauled Finn Jarkko Niemenin in the second round despite suffering a back spasm before play.

British three-times grand slam champion Virginia Wade famously described Murray as a "drama queen" after his troubles, earning a stinging rebuke from the indignant Scot.

Murray came back after back surgery last year and failed to add to his two grand slam titles but has been in peak condition early at Melbourne Park, winning both his opening round matches in straight sets.

The sixth-seeded Scot next plays Portugal's Joao Sousa in the third round on Friday.

Image: Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to his doctors in his second round match against Tim Smyczek of USA during day three of the 2015 Australian Open on Wednesday

Photograph: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.