Q.) Why did you start playing tennis and was there a specific player that inspired you to pursue a career in the sport?
A.) I began playing very young. I was three-years-old and my parents’ house backed onto a club so I was out there most days doing all sorts. Playing tennis was a natural thing to do with all the members and I developed playing with more of the older players. I think my first inspiration was Stefan Edberg but as I grew older I had more of an appreciation for Thomas Muster as a leftie and Pete Sampras for his ability and winning so many times at Wimbledon.
Q.) You had a very good 2019, winning three doubles titles. How do you reflect on your 2019?
A.) Last season would probably go down as my best due to the consistency. I was disappointed not to make the most of my ranking in the second half of season but it wasn’t a bad period. I just knew I had the chance to break into the top 40 which would be new ground for me. Overall Neal (Ken’s brother) and I were on a great run until we stopped playing together.
Q.) At 2020 Australian Open, you reached the quarter-final stage. How was that experience and does it give you confidence knowing you can compete with the best for grand slam titles?
A.) It was a wonderful run and it made me realise that I still had the level required to go deep into a grand slam. Santi Gonzalez and I played well and it was a shame we came up against an in form Aussie pair.
Q.) You have played and won many tournaments playing alongside your brother, Neal. Does it feel extra special to share the court and have success when playing with your brother?
A.) I’ve not had anything that compared to winning with my brother. I would have loved to continue playing as he was coming into his prime but I knew I was past my best days and thought unselfishly he should make the most of his age and ranking to move with Jamie Murray.
Q.) It is unknown how long tennis will be cancelled for, are you still training and keeping fit during lockdown, or taking time to have a break from the sport?
A.) As a family man, I have found it quite difficult to balance life as an athlete and do additional things including teaching my older two boys. Most of my training during normal life is done while they are in school but at the moment my wife works three days a week and I am in control of the three boys for most of those days. We have managed to help them with their work but I’ve had to find certain periods each day to carry out some training. I have a watt bike which is a great tool.
Q.) At 37-years-old, do you still have ambition to improve, climb the rankings and win more titles?
A.) I had started the season well and feel good but obviously with the uncertainty of the return date it’s hard to know how the following months will play out. While my ranking remains inside ATP top 75 I’ll continue as the moment can be very good. I do feel I can play well and win titles still.
Q.) Your brother has struck a doubles partnership with Jamie Murray and reached the 2019 US Open mixed doubles semi-final, do you believe Neal can win major titles in the future?
A.) Neal is a great player and his relationship with Jamie has been good. I think Neal dealing with the expectations of winning grand slams was my worry but his level has been great especially at Davis Cup and in the big moments at US Open 2019. I do feel he can win a grand slam in coming years.
Q.) If you could be partnerred with any player in the world for a tournament, who and why?
A.) I can’t look past Neal as we know each other’s games so well. It not always about individual skills that make a team so successful. Partnerships need to gel and as brothers it usually doesn’t take long for us to find our rhythm.
Q.) Finally, what has been the greatest achievement in your tennis career so far?
A.) It might sound corny but being a tennis professional still at 37 with three kids is not easy. Balancing my family life and still competing against the best in the world is not easy. My wife has been very supportive as she knows this won’t last forever. As an individual moment playing for your country is fantastic feeling and winning my first ATP with my little brother was special.
Big thanks to Ken for the interview, I wish him the best with his career – follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
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