Paul Jubb wants Andy Murray to keep playing for years so he can get the chance to play – and beat – his mentor on the ATP Tour.
The former world No.1 admitted he was struggling to return from another injury setback after pulling out of the Miami Open. And the Scot, who turns 34 in May, has revealed he would like to be a golf caddie or football coach after he retires.
Jubb, 21, is at the other end of the his career and is currently “grinding” at third-tier ITF Futures events across the world. “It is not glamorous at all,” he smiled.
But after signing for Murray's 77 Management group, the 2019 Wimbledon wildcard star is driven to reach the same level as the three-time Major champion.
“It has been really good to have a close relationship with Andy - obviously the guy is a legend,” said Hull-born Jubb. “Being in the same environment as him is an honour. Since lockdown, I have been based at the National Tennis Centre in London and I have been seeing him on a daily basis. “We chat pretty often but you learn by just watching him. You can sense that little spark and see there is something different about those type of guys and it does rub off.
“A lot of people are telling him to retire and things like that. He’s a true champ and loves the sport and wants to carry on and compete.
“For him the Challengers must feel like a huge downgrade to what he normally plays. But to him, tennis is tennis. It’s the same for me, I want to play the higher tournaments now and it shows that I have to keep playing. It does send a good message.
“Every story to everyone's success is all about what you do when people are not watching and when the spotlight is not on you.
“I want to him to keep going so I can play him on Tour one day – and maybe beat him! I have got to try and work my way up there quick so I can get on the court with him for real.”
In the last six months, the world No.500 has tested positive for COVID-19 between trekking to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Turkey and to Egypt twice – where he won an event in February – in a bid to climb up the rankings and show he is worth another Wimbledon invite this summer.
“I am just focusing on putting in a good graft and showing some good form and hopefully those will get noticed,” said the Ellesse athlete. And Jubb has also found time to call in on this Nan Valerie.
“She had her jab not too long ago, which was good,” he said. “Whenever I go back home, I go and see her.”
Paul Jubb is an ellesse athlete, for more info visit www.ellesse.com insta @ellesse
