Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.World number three Andy Murray traded the glamour of the world's biggest tennis stages for the more humble surrounds of a modest local tournament, and ended on the losing side.
North of Scotland found themselves short of players for their county week clash against Hertfordshire at Eastbourne on Wednesday and Murray, ranked below only Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the world stage, volunteered his services.
The 22-year-old Scot interrupted preparations for the U.S. hardcourt season to play three doubles matches on a modest line of grasscourts, where no ballboys or girls meant the players retrieve their own balls, in the English south coast town.
He and his partner won all three contests but it was not enough for the Scottish side, which also featured Andy's brother Jamie, from going down 5-4 in the all-doubles event.
"I know pretty much all these guys from junior days," Andy Murray said.
"I don't get to see them too often these days, a lot of them are coaches now and when Jamie said they needed us, I wasn't doing anything so it was an easy decision to come and play."
The Scots were delighted to receive such big-name support in their moment of crisis.
"I was delighted to get the call. It says a lot about his character that he wanted to join us," coach Ian Conway was quoted as saying.
Murray is due to play the Masters series events in Montreal and Cincinnati next month before the U.S. Open in New York, where he lost the final last year to Swiss world number one Federer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments