Unorthodox Murray dips into his pocket in racquet search

Andy Murray has gone against the grain by putting his hand into his pocket to self-fund the search for a new racquet which should carry him through to the end of his career.

The goodbye from the Scot who turned 37 on Wednesday is expected to come sometime this season, date unspecified; he was seen this week testing a Yonex model.

With ATP players notoriously hesitant to dip into personal funds when the greatest portion of Tour life is provided to them for free – think 5-star hotel rooms, food, sponsor gifts, VIP invites and pure perks – Murray has bucked the usual trend.

The three-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 is due to play at Roland Garros from next Sunday, and British media report the Scot is eagerly searching for a new stick to replace the offerings from longtime sponsor HEAD.

“When I lost in Miami (in March), I went to a sports shop and I bought about 10 rackets,” Murray said this week at the Bordeaux Challenger, where he won a round.

After that shopping spree, Murray truly splashed the cash in his search for perfection.

“I bought a machine to weigh the rackets, check the balance and swingweight of the rackets. I bought lead tape.

“I measured all the rackets myself. It was something to do when I was injured. I tried lots of different rackets. I tested them with Hawkeye when I was able to.” 

The veteran said he feels a change is in order to spice up his closing chapter.

“I’ve been playing with the same racquet for 20 years and in that time, things change.” 

Main photo:- Andy Murray practices in Bordeaux with a Yonex EZone racquet – by ATPTour.com