Naomi Osaka thinks Andy Murray has already done something which every woman in tennis appreciates

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Andy Murray is a revered figure in the tennis community, and Naomi Osaka is not one who would dispute that notion.

She is seemingly one of his biggest fans on tour, and has made her feelings known about the Scotsman on numerous occasions.

However, her latest round of adulation actually suggests that every woman in tennis should be thanking him for what he continues to do for their sport to this day.

Naomi Osaka praises Andy Murray’s influence

Speaking after her first-round win at the Rome Open, Osaka was asked about Murray, who that day had announced his plans for a return to action after an ankle injury suffered back in March.

Given the relationship the two have shared, and how vocal the Japanese tennis player has been about her affection for the 36-year-old, she was keen to praise him once again.

She told the press: ‘For me, Murray’s such a great guy, such a tough competitor. I think it’s really amazing the fact that he loves tennis so much and he keeps coming back. He’s had all these injuries. He’s kind of relentless in a way. Just his ability to keep playing matches at a high level.

‘For me, when I think about him, when I think about the legacy that he leaves on tennis, obviously he’s done a lot for can I say UK tennis or should I say British tennis.

‘I think as a kid watching him on TV playing these amazing battles, he’s affected every tennis kid worldwide.

‘Yeah, he’s been very vocal. I know all tennis players and all female athletes really appreciate it.’

Andy Murray is an indisputable tennis legend

Even if he seems poised to end his career with just three Grand Slam titles, there is no debating just how legendary a figure Murray is.

Both on and off the court he has captured the imagination and won the hearts of the masses.

His Wimbledon triumph in 2013 certainly helped in that regard, adding to his US Open by bouncing back from losing in the final the year earlier and becoming the first British man to win the tournament in 77 years.

Then going on to win it again, it is widely regarded that, were it not for Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, he would have far more major titles to his name.

That is especially pertinent given the eight Grand Slam finals he lost, all were to the latter two.

To compete with the big three during their prime years, and have even spent a spell as the world number one, is enough to write his name in tennis history.