Australian Open 2018: Andy Murray makes hilarious comment on Rafael Nadal

What’s the story?

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray gave a glimpse of his excellent sense of humour when he made a hilarious comment on 16-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal on Twitter. The five-time Australian Open runner-up had to pull out of the season’s opening Major because of a stubborn hip injury, which required a surgery in Australia.

Having recently returned home in the UK, the three-time Grand Slam champion engaged with fans in an impromptu Twitter Q & A session on Saturday. When an apparent Rafael Nadal devotee asked Murray to say a few words about his idol, the Briton replied, “Sleeveless is better,” referring to the Spaniard’s return to sleeveless on-court Slam attire for the first time since 2008.

Sleeveless is better..

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) January 20, 2018

In case you didn’t know

Nadal reached the quarter-finals at the Melbourne Park for the 10th time after needing four sets to beat the 24th seeded Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 in the Round of 16.

The heart of the matter

Murray had hoped to play at the Brisbane International after a six-month hiatus due to the hip injury. But playing practice sets with elite players made him realize he was far from his best and immediately needed a solution for his problem.

The Briton eventually underwent the surgery in Melbourne and plans to make a competitive return to the Tour during the grasscourt swing in June.

Apart from his comment on Nadal, the two-time Wimbledon champion also held Juan Martin del Potro’s running forehand and the retired Fernando Gonzalez’s inside-out forehand in high regard.

On being asked about the toughest match that he has played so far, he chose two -- the Olympic final and his five-set loss to Novak Djokovic at the 2012 Australian Open.

What’s next?

Rafael Nadal will play the quarter-final at the 2018 Australian Open on Tuesday. The Spaniard takes on sixth seed and former US Open champion Marin Cilic for a place in the semi-finals.

Author’s take

Murray is well-known for his dry, sarcastic wit. It is indeed great to see the Briton in such good spirits after the setback he suffered right at the start of the season.

Let us hope he recovers fully and gets to join the Tour in summer like he has said.