Aug 30, 2008, 14:23 GMT
New York - Andy Murray just can't get enough of the chaotic, frenetic US Open ambience as he makes a run into the second week of play.
The British number one from Scotland revels in the ambience of Flushing Meadows, where anything goes in comparison to more staid and traditional events like Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
The 21-year-old prefers his tennis Gotham-style: 'I've just always loved being in America. I think the people here are very upbeat.
'They've always been really helpful and I love the courts here,' he said of the National Tennis Centre.
As for the atmosphere: 'It's just a bit different to all the other Slams.'
Many of Murray's feel-good memories stretch back to his younger days. 'I enjoyed playing here as a junior. It was the first time I stayed in a five star hotel.
'I really enjoyed the way I got treated as juniors here, and since then it's been my favourite tournament.'
******************
NOTEBOOK: Roddick credits New York night-crawlers with after-dark comeback =
New York (dpa) - Andy Roddick managed to resurrect memories of his only Grand Slam win - five years ago at the US Open - as he thanked a rowdy late-night crowd for helping him through past Latvian Ernests Gulbis.
'You guys kept me in there when I was losing my head,' he told fans following his post-midnight success into the third round. 'If this crowd comes with me the whole way, who knows?'
The volatile American needed to trash a racket after losing the first set, a little spark of motivation. And he also could not get over some of the antics shown on the jumbo video screen inside the stadium during changeovers.
'It felt like a party in the stadium on switchovers,' said the American who turned 26 when the clock struck midnight.
'This was a night session match. This is kind of what people come to expect of night matches. You get in there and it's kind of like a brawl, and the atmosphere is great.'
Roddick remarked later than some people he saw on screen 'need to get a room.'
'I looked up and there's girls on the big screen dancing on top of their tables in the suite and some guy and girl freak dancing in the corner. I was like, 'This is great.' Might as well get a win while we're out here.'
View blog reactions
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)
Advertising
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)