Raducanu says Murray's historic win boost her at Indian Wells

Raducanu says Murray’s historic win boost her at Indian Wells. 

INDIAN WELLS: After dropping the second set in her match at Indian Wells on Friday, Emma Raducanu claimed Andy Murray’s gutsy comeback victory inspired her.

The two British legends played back-to-back on center court, with Murray winning for the 700th time in his career and the young U.S. Open champion winning in the Southern California desert for the first time.

“I looked up to him today, especially because I was following him,” Raducanu said after defeating Caroline Garcia 6-1 3-6 6-1.

“I knew he’d overcome some adversity, and I was thinking about it when I dropped the second set.” ‘You can accomplish the same, just keep pushing,’ I said.

“It was nice to follow him in the order of play today,” says the player.

Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, became the 18th player on the ATP Tour to win 700 matches after a thrilling 1-6 6-2 6-4 victory over Taro Daniel before handing over the stage to Raducanu.

“We ran into each other as he was leaving, and I was waiting for the match,” she explained.

“When you’re following someone who has just won, it’s always a strange one.” You’re thinking to yourself, “I want to do the same.” It provides you with a boost of energy. I was ecstatic for him. It was incredibly great when he gave me a fist bump.

“I’m just thrilled that my level was good enough for today.”

Raducanu claimed she’s still getting used to her newfound celebrity after becoming the first qualifier to win a major at Flushing Meadows last year.

“The strangest thing is when someone is so pleased that I want to take a picture with them or say hello,” she remarked.

“That seems very normal to me.” That doesn’t make sense to me; they shouldn’t be thrilled because it’s just me.”

Murray, who has been in the spotlight since debuting in the top 10 in 2007, said his six-year-old daughter is now aware that her father is different from the rest.

He told reporters, “Sometimes she calls me ‘Andy Murray,’ which I find awkward.”

“No, I’m daddy, I’m not Andy Murray, I’m daddy,” he says.

“She does it now to irritate me, particularly when she’s among her pals.”

Murray will face Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in the second round. In contrast, Raducanu will face Croatia’s Petra Martic in the third round.