Ricky Hatton impressed with Murray display

Boxer Ricky Hatton was impressed at the manner in which Andy Murray overcame Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The two-time IBF and IBO light-welterweight champion was sat amongst Murray’s team during the Scot’s quarter-final clash with Rafael Nadal in Melbourne on Tuesday.

“He has beaten a great player tonight,” said Hatton. “He has wiped him off the floor. It’s a shame the way it ended, but it makes you feel proud.”

“He plays tennis like a boxer, he flexes his muscles. And that is what British fans will love, his passion for it. I am just really proud of him. He has just whacked Nadal there off the court.

“Boxers and tennis players are the fittest sports people,” added Ricky. “Boxing is the hardest game in the world and I know tennis players have a bit longer on the stool but if you are out there for four or five hours, you have got to be fit. It is one-on-one competition. You can’t bring a sub on.”

Murray is set to play Marin Cilic, who beat Andy Roddick in his quarter-final encounter, in a semi-final clash scheduled to get underway at 0830GMT on Thursday morning.

His next opponent will be dreading facing him,” he added. “I think he has got as good a chance as we have had in I don’t know how many years.”