Andy Murray once said this player had a bigger forehand than Rafael Nadal in 2009

Andy Murray knew all about the power of Fernando Gonzalez’s forehand

Early in his career, clay was a challenging surface for Murray, but by 2009 he had started to find his footing. That year he reached his first Roland Garros quarter-final, only to run into Gonzalez, who was in top form and came away with a 6-3 3-6 6-0 6-4 victory.

Even after the defeat, Murray gave credit where it was due. “He was spanking winners. You can’t do a whole lot about that,” he said afterwards. “He’s got the biggest forehand in tennis.”

Gonzalez didn’t win a Grand Slam during his career, but he did reach world number five in 2007. His best showing at Roland Garros came when Soderling stopped him in the semi-finals that same year.

He also made it to the Australian Open final in 2007, although Federer proved too strong there as well.

Andy Murray discusses the shot he believes defined his career

Murray was once asked by The New York Times in 2022 what part of his game he felt stood out the most. His answer wasn’t about power or speed, but rather a stroke that quietly earned him plenty of points over the years.

Murray responded: “If I had to choose a stroke it would probably be my lob, which has won me quite a few points over the years.”

One moment that stands out is when Murray clinched Great Britain’s first Davis Cup title in 79 years by lobbing David Goffin to seal victory. But for all the skill and technique, it was another quality that Murray often leaned on – his resilience.

He continued: “Or my determination, which has enabled me to come back from serious injury and keep on improving.”