Should Andy Murray be ‘friends’ with tennis rivals?

It is arguably the most prestigious grand slam going. As Wimbledon approaches the world’s tennis elite are preparing to peak at SW19.

Andy Murray has showed some impressive form at Queen’s, winning the tournament for the second time, the only Briton ever to do so.

The Scot had to fight back from one set down but eventually beat Frenchman Jo Wilfried-Tsonga 3-6 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 in the final.

And Murray’s good form was not confined to the tennis court.

The cameras went into overdrive on Sunday when his match was delayed because of rain. Murray and Tsonga filled the time by playing a friendly game of table tennis in the players’ area.

But is it possible to be playing a friendly game of table tennis one minute and a highly competitive tennis match the next?

It would be poor preparation to see Murray playing table tennis with Nadal, Federer or Djokovic before a grand slam match. Amanda Owens

Leading sports psychologist Amanda Owens thinks not but says circumstances played a part: “To be fair, because the players knew the weather was so appalling the chances of them getting on court on Sunday were slim.”

She told Channel 4 News that this kind of banter would be unlikely at a grand slam tournament: “Murray knows you can’t be too friendly with your opponent prior to a match because it is unlikely to have a positive impact.

“It (playing table tennis) wouldn’t happen in a grand slam. Queen’s is laid back, a really lovely tournament. They’ve created an atmosphere where the top players want to be there but it is different from Wimbledon.

“It would be poor preparation to see Murray playing table tennis with Nadal, Federer or Djokovic before a grand slam match.”

Read more: Andy Murray's emotional battle in Australian Open final

The cost of winning

Owens cites Novak Djokovic as an example of a player who puts winning ahead of friendship.

The Serb has said publically that he cannot be friends with his opponents as they “fight for their place in history”.

This was evident during the Australian Open final where Djokovic comprehensively beat Murray.

Owens said Djokovic “put their friendship in a box, was brutal and intense” and ultimately successful.

She added: “What happens off the court in tennis is very important. Yes, they do need to relax and have banter, but to be that friendly just won’t happen in a grand slam because of the intensity.

“Preparation is vital before the match. Players would be daft to be messing around with their opponent right beforehand.”