Andy Murray and Roger Federer enjoyed many hard-fought battles on the court (Image: Matthew Stockman, Getty Images)
Tennis icon Andy Murray has extended an invitation to Roger Federer to join him in a different sporting pursuit. Since hanging up his racquet in 2024, Murray has remained remarkably active, with his enthusiasm for golf frequently showcased across social media and YouTube.
The Scotsman has now shifted his focus towards padel, revealing to Advantage Padel that he would choose his old rival as his ideal doubles partner. When asked to pick between tennis and padel, Murray replied: “I play more padel than tennis now. So it’s got to be padel.”
Elaborating on his fondness for the sport, Murray continued: “Padel for me is sociable. That’s why I play the game now, because I get to spend time with my friends. It’s also very healthy. Promotes an active lifestyle. So yeah, that’s why I love it.”
A Federer and Murray pairing on the padel court would undoubtedly prove a formidable force. The duo clashed 25 times during their tennis careers, regularly competing alongside the likes of Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Federer held the edge, triumphing in 14 encounters compared to Murray’s 11 victories.
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Of that legendary quartet, only Djokovic remains active on the professional circuit, recently progressing at the Australian Open following Lorenzo Musetti being forced to retire.
Murray is also a keen golfer (Image: Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Murray secured Wimbledon glory twice during an intensely competitive period in men’s tennis, complemented by a US Open crown to complete his trio of Grand Slam victories. After competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Murray, then aged 37, announced his retirement and surprised the sporting community by taking on a coaching role with Novak Djokovic.
The partnership, however, concluded after half a year. Beyond the tennis court, Murray has become a regular presence on YouTube, indulging his passion for golf through appearances on programmes including Fore Bros and Ian Poulter’s ‘The Postman’.
Discussing his golfing ambitions, Murray previously stated: “I want to try and play in the regional qualifying [of The Open] at some stage.
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Murray is a Wimbledon legend (Image: Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
“A couple of my friends have done it, and it would just be a fun thing to do if you got to the level where you’re able to do that, I would do it, but I certainly don’t think I would have any chance of qualifying for The Open.
“I’m fully aware of how good the players that play in those events are and how good the pros are in comparison to amateurs. Even guys that play off +2, 3 are miles off what these guys are.”
Earlier this week, tributes poured in following news that Murray’s grandfather, Roy Erskine, had died aged 94. A skilled tennis player in his own right, he was also an accomplished footballer, with former teams Cowdenbeath and Stirling Albion both releasing statements following his death.
Expressing how “deeply sorry and saddened” they were by the news, Cowdenbeath stated: “But of course maybe Roy (and Shirley’s) greatest contribution to tennis in this country is the genes they passed on to Judy, Jamie and Andy. And maybe a little bit of tuition over the years – indeed Roy was wont to claim he was the man who invented topspin in tennis.”