Charlie Robertson channeling Andy Murray in Junior US Open bid as he explains why Scots hero is his phone background
It is 20 years since Andy Murray won the US Open Boy’s singles title, will fellow Scot Charlie Robertson be able to do the same as he fights for the title in the next couple of days
Tennis player Charlie Robertson,17, is currently playing in the Junior US Open in New York where he hopes to impress and encourage other younger players alike to pick up the racquet.
This is the talented young Scot’s last Junior tournament before breaking away into the men’s. Determined to follow the footsteps of Andy Murray, Charlie revealed on his Instagram that his background cover on his iPhone was a picture of Tennis legend Andy. In an Interview with ATP Challenger he said: “Andy’s my background because he’s always been an inspiration to me especially being Scottish, I mean his passion on court is something to watch, it’s amazing and I really like his fighting spirit and that’s what I try to bring to my game as well. I think he knows who I am as well and that’s pretty cool.”
Bringing his own fighting spirit, Charlie managed to smash the game where he came out on top winning his two most recent matches in the tournament. On Monday, September 2 he was playing against Andres Santamarta Roig, where Robertson won in two sets. On Tuesday, September 3 he competed against Alexander Razeghi, again smashing it with another two set win.
Today (Wednesday, September 4), Charlie will be going head to head with Jangjun Kim at 4pm UK Time in a Singles round of 16. Following this, the coming days will consist of a quarter final, semi-final and eventually the Singles final. It has been 20 years since fellow Scot Andy Murray won the prestigious US Open Boys’ Singles title in 2004 and Charlie is headed in the right direction to be the next Scot to do so.
Robertson has reached No.25 in the world junior ranking and has made the last 16 at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the Juniors. As his 18th birthday is approaching in October, the Junior US Open will be the last tournament he plays as a junior before entering the mens where he will now have to survive without funding from sporting bodies.
As well as his sheer efforts and talent carrying him, Charlie will also be counselled and supported by the Murray family. Robertson was initially brought up in Forfar, but now lives in Stirling not too far from tennis legends Andy and Judy Murray.
This summer he was asked to hit with Murray to help him prepare for his swansong at the Olympics in Paris and the two-time Wimbledon champ said: “Charlie has lots of potential and he’s had great success in juniors this year. He has a good attitude and strong work ethic which is very important.
“The next stage will be critical for him. Every player is an individual and will develop in different ways and at different times.
“It’s about finding an environment that’s right for you and taking your time to build your game and your body to have a chance to be successful in the long term. There’s so much to learn about the game and the life and business of being a full-time player, so you have to be prepared for the long haul.’
Judy Murray also chimed in with: ‘The next stage of development is crucial and it’s important to find the right training environment and an experienced coach to help you through that. That’s likely to be overseas and expensive.
“Transitioning from top junior to being successful in the men’s game is far from easy. The junior circuit is a relative comfort zone with no prize money but the first rungs of the men’s tour are dog eat dog. You are up against guys who are playing for their mortgages or their families or their flight to the next tournament.’
This experience most certainly embedded a greater passion for the sport following his inspirations footsteps by competing in the US Juniors open. You can catch Charlie Robertson in action on court 10 and it will be broadcast on Sky Sports and ESPN.
