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Murray enjoying Olympic atmosphere


 

Originally published on: 31/07/12 00:00

The 25-year-old Brit rode a wave of home support through to the third round after seeing off Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen 6-4 6-2 under the Centre Court roof.

“The crowd was great,” said Murray. “It is fun to play in an atmosphere like this, it's very different to what we are used to. At regular tennis tournaments there aren't so many flags out there and people wearing the British colours, so it is great and I enjoy it.

"It's just a different crowd, a different feeling when you are playing for your country. It feels more like a Davis Cup-type atmosphere when you go out there on Centre Court."

The world No.4 will face Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis next, having won four of their seven career meetings, including a battling triumph on Centre Court at Wimbledon three weeks ago.

“It will be a tough match, like all of them are,” said Murray. “You've just got to prepare for a really hard match and take what comes. I will talk with the guys I work with and try to come up with a good game-plan, then it is down to me to play well on the day."

Murray, who fell alongside brother Jamie in the first round of the men's doubles, will have a third chance for a medal after confirming on Tuesday that he will compete in the mixed doubles event with 18-year-old Laura Robson. “We have played before in the Hopman Cup a couple of times," said Murray. "We've played some good tennis together so, hopefully, we can have a good run."

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.