Andy Murray has revealed the secret behind the personalised notes that fuelled his Wimbledon triumph and will inspire his bid for more Olympic glory.
Murray was often seen reading a sheet of paper in breaks between games as he marched to a historic second Wimbledon title in July. The Scot offered a rare insight into the motivational scribbles after his success at the All England Club.
The 29-year-old, who has worked with a sports psychologist in the past, writes down important aspects of his game-plan to focus on during each match and sprinkles in inspirational reminders of his qualities.
As Murray prepares to defend the Olympics singles gold medal he won so memorably in London four years ago, the world number two will again turn to his notes for guidance in Rio.
“They’re personal notes. Some of them stay the same the whole time. They’re basic things I remind myself to do during the matches,” Murray said.
“When I play my best tennis I feel like I’m doing these things.
“They would be like, Make sure you’re moving your feet when you’re nervous. People have a tendency when they’re nervous to not move, not use their legs.
“I think when I play my best tennis, I do this, X, Y and Z, whatever it is on the notes. Then I have some notes of the tactics for the match.
“Sometimes when you’re in the heat of a second set tie-break in a slam final, it’s easy to forget exactly what you’re trying to do,” he said.
