Cheers and tears: Andy Murray wins Queen's Club return

INTERVIEW: Andy Murray reacts to emotional victory in London

Whether it’s on the match court or at the microphone, Andy Murray doesn’t mask what he’s feeling.

On Tuesday at the Queen’s Club, it appeared like a routine day at the office for the former world No. 1. Playing his first singles match on grass since 2018 Eastbourne, the record five-time event champion dismissed Benoit Paire, 6-3, 6-2, without facing a break point.

When it came to doing his post-match interview however, Murray found a more difficult opponent: his emotions.

Asked about the tennis itself, the 34-year-old began with a dry quip.

“The body’s old,” he remarked as the crowd laughed. “I’ve only played three or four practice sets in the buildup to this. I didn’t know how exactly I was going to play or how I was going to feel. But I think for a first match, it was good.”

But when it came to responding to being out competing again, Murray said, “I love playing tennis,” before getting choked up.

About 30 seconds of applause went by until the two-time Wimbledon titlist composed himself to finish answering.

“Sorry,” he continued. “Obviously competing is why you put in all the hard work. In the last few years, I’ve not got to do that as much as I would to have liked. It’s great I’m out here and able to compete again.”

Currently ranked No, 124, Murray faces top seed Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Cinch Championships. His humor soon returned upon hearing the provisional schedule.

“Am I playing tomorrow? I was hoping for a day off,” he said with a smile.

Murray won the pair’s lone meeting at the 2019 China Open in Beijing, taking a pair of tiebreaks.