“I’d like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends. He’s back home watching. You’re going to get through it."—Andy Murray, in his Brisbane title speech
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Some things supersede what is, in the end, mere sport. Personal health in life itself is assuredly one of them. Murray choked up this past Sunday when he sent support and warmth in the direction of "a sick friend" at home in the United Kingdom. It was revealed hours later that the aforementioned cohort was Ross Hutchins, a standout doubles player with partner and fellow Brit Colin Fleming, and that he has Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hutchins himself was emotional about Murray's shout-out, saying, "It brought a tear to my eye. He has been very involved talking to me every day, with lots of encouragement." (Update: Hutchins hopes to return to pro tennis after six months of chemotherapy.)