"They are just like bulldog"- Ivan Lendl on the 'Big 4'

Andy Murray has been going through a rough patch in his career. At the 2019 Australian Open, the former World No. 1 announced his retirement. He did, however, make a comeback at the Cincinnati Open following a seven-month layoff. Despite repeated and determined efforts, the Brit has been unable to regain his previous form, let alone his classic form.

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"All these guys have incredible determination"- Ivan Lendl

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal gladly share the distinction as one the top players on the tour. Both have competed in the same era of the sport because they are the same age. Nadal had surgery last year for a long-standing foot condition. He not only made a comeback in 2022, but he also won his 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open. Aside from that, he was also the winner of two other awards.

Taking this into account, Lendl told a journalist, "You're asking this with a straight face after what Rafa has done in Australia."

Ivan Lendl, who has won eight Grand Slams, went on to praise Andy Murray's determination, as well as that of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. These players, he claimed, are similar to Bulldogs. He said, "All these guys have incredible determination. They are just like bulldogs and they want to do things because they haven't been done before. If they set their mind to it then they can achieve amazing things."

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Returning to Nadal's example. Lendl further said, "Rafa said he wasn't even sure he's going to be able to play again, then he goes and wins the Australian Open." "So yes, these guys can do it," he concluded.