'Paranoid' Murray takes swipe at critics with Nadal tweet

Andy Murray's fractious relationship with the media has continued at the Australian Open after he took a swipe at his critics in the wake of Rafa Nadal's dramatic five-set victory over American qualifier Tim Smyczek.

The Spaniard was in obvious discomfort during the match and needed a medical time out and attention from a doctor as he struggled with cramps. But after battling through he was praised for what the BBC called his "immense skill and courage".

That appeared to rankle with Murray, who believes that he is not afforded the same treatment in similar circumstances. And after seeing the reaction to Nadal's victory he took to Twitter to vent his frustration.

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The comment refers back to his win at last year's US Open, when he was struck down with cramps during a four-set victory over Robin Haase, after which he was not, in his opinion, afforded the same level of respect as Nadal.

But the pointed "drama queen" reference actually relates to comments made Virginia Wade at the 2012 French Open, when he overcame back spasms to beat Jarkko Nieminen. As Murray struggled, Wade said she sympathised with his opponent because "you cannot play against someone who is being a drama queen". The pair have not spoken since and the Scot has "clearly not forgotten" the incident, notes Barry Flatman in The Times.

But he has little sympathy for Murray, who appeared to have adopted a more affable persona in recent times. Flatman believes the comment gives voice to Murray's "apparent inferiority complex when it comes to his public appeal compared to that of Rafael Nadal". But he adds: "This kind of airing of what some might term paranoia does not do any good."

Flatman suggests that Murray "should have come to terms" with the fact that he cannot rival Nadal in the global popularity stakes and notes that it is not Murray's first Twitter "faux pas" – he caused controversy last year with a message in support of Scottish independence on the eve of the referendum last year.

Murray might feel there are "double standards" in play, says Mike Dickson of the Daily Mail, but he insists there were no allegations of "malingering" against Murray last year.

But he notes that the former Wimbledon champion is "especially sensitive about how on court physical issues are portrayed" after the incident with Wade in 2012 and says his public display of angst suggests he is "very much keyed up for this high-pressure fortnight".

That, argues Dickson, could be a "positive thing, as a sense of indignation has always been a powerful motivational tool for Murray".