Andy Murray Dedicates Brisbane Win To Friend Ross Hutchins

Written by: Staff on 7th January 2013

Brisbane International tennis tournament

Andy Murray Dedicates Brisbane Win To Friend Ross Hutchins

epa03523760 Andy Murray of Great Britain serves during his quarter final match against Daniel Istomin of Uzbekistan during their quarterfinals match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, 04 January 2012. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Andy Murray emotionally dedicated his Brisbane International title win to close friend and British Davis Cup team-mate Ross Hutchins who has been diagnosed with suffering from Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Murray was close to tears when handed the microphone at the presentation ceremony on Patrick Rafter Arena after successfully defending his title with a 7-6,6-3 win over Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. “I’d like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends,” said Murray with voice faltering. “He’s back home watching – you’re going to get through it.”

The Wimbledon based doubles player has been a regular at Murray’s infamous training camps in Miami in recent times although he was notable by his absence last month.

Murray refused to identify his sick friend in his post-match Brisbane press conference but immediately after the final, when handed the customary marker pen to sign the television lens, he didn’t scrawl his initials or name but wrote ‘For You Perched.’

Hutchins, later used Twitter to confirm he was the friend to whom Murray dedicated his Brisbane victory. The 27 year-old son of Britain’s former Davis Cup captain Paul, who represented Britain in last summer’s Olympic Games, revealed: “Unfortunately I will be away from tennis for a while as I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

“This came as a shock but I am now ready to move forward. I am doing well, very positive with excellent medical support, friends and family around me. Looking forward to being back on the court soon!”

Hutchins’ regular doubles partner, Colin Fleming is this week playing with Murray’s elder brother Jamie. Last year Hutchins and Fleming won doubles titles together in Delray Beach and Eastbourne.

Currently Hutchins is receiving treatment at the Royal Marsden specialist cancer centre in London, and added: “I look forward to getting over this hurdle and getting back to the ATP Tour and full steam ahead with my tennis career.”

Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Roger Draper said: “Everyone in British tennis is behind Ross. He is a true ambassador for the sport, both on an off the court, and I have no doubt he will overcome this setback.

“It’s important that we give Ross and his family the privacy they need during this challenging time.”

Hodgkins Lymphoma is cancer of the white blood cell found in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Andy Murray, Australian tennis news, Brisbane International, British tennis news, Davis Cup, Ross Hutchins, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News

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dusanVemic says:

January 7, 2013 at 6:05 am

RT @10sBalls_com: @Andy_Murray Dedicates Brisbane Win To Friend @RoscoHutchins : http://t.co/5pkdPzOD #tennis @BrisbaneTennis
mekame0926 says:

January 7, 2013 at 6:36 am

RT @10sBalls_com: @Andy_Murray Dedicates Brisbane Win To Friend @RoscoHutchins : http://t.co/5pkdPzOD #tennis @BrisbaneTennis