After a series of injuries, surgeries and some time off from the game, three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is currently ranked by the ATP at no. 118. Rankings aside, the British right-hander looks to be on an upward trajectory in mens tennis once again.

Murray, who spent 41 weeks as world No. 1, staged come-from-behind win yesterday versus Germanys Oscar Otte, at Wimbledon. His previous match on June 28 saw Murray grab a hard fought win in four sets, versus Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia.

After the conclusion of Wimbledon, Murray will compete for Great Britain at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which begin July 23. Murray, 34, was quoted recently, saying that he hopes to win a third Olympic gold for Britain.

And while we may very well be seeing a major career comeback for Murray, theres more in store for longtime Andy Murray fans with a hankering for sports memorabilia and tennis-related collectibles.

Like many world famous athletes from Cristano Ronaldo to Julian Edelman, Murray has gotten into the NFT game. Partnering with Wimbledon and an NFT creator called WENEW, some of Murrays career highlights will be available to diehard tennis fans and collectors in the form of NFTs. Starting Friday at 10 AM, NFTs of Murrays 2013 Wimbledon singles title go up for auction.

Despite Murrays tight 2021 Wimbledon schedule and his red hot play, I was fortunate to connect with the two-time Olympian last weekend. During our short Q&A, Murray talked about the importance of Olympic tennis and the on-court rivals whove helped his career.

Andy Frye: The Olympics are back. How important was it for you to win two Olympic gold medals, with one being at London 2012?

Andy Murray: I love representing Team Great Britain and Im going to my fourth Olympic Games next month. Winning medals is definitely up there with my proudest achievements, and competing for your country, alongside thousands of other athletes, is pretty special. As tennis players, we dont get the chance to compete for a team very often. London was amazingwinning gold on home turf and the atmosphere was crazy.

AF: Which tennis players did you watch most closely and take influence from when you were young? Who influenced Andy Murray?

Murray: Growing up I loved watching Agassi, as much for the hair and style. I had a pair of those denim shorts, one pair with the cycling shorts sewn in! But Agassi was always fun to watch, played aggressively but with variety, and he had an amazing return of serve as well. Both on and off the court, he was box office, and he seemed like a really nice guy.

AF: A lot of athletes are getting into the NFT game, and you are now too. What makes Beeple and WENEW different and more innovative?

Murray: Ive been reading a lot about NFTs, and am still learning, but it felt like a cool thing to do. Giving fans a chance to relive and immortalize the biggest moment of my career through WENEW is exciting.

It hasnt been done before in tennis, and there isnt a better partner for me than Wimbledon. Ive also been getting into art over the last few years, so doing something with Beeple was also interesting to me. I also like the focus WENEW gives each moment, especially from a storytelling angle.

AF: Some of your longtime rivals like Nadal, Federer and Djokovic are always at the top of the rankings. Whats that say about the game?

Murray: Novak, Roger and Rafa will go down as the best three players in the history of the mens game.

Its been a privilege playing with them; its made me raise my levels to try and figure out ways to beat them. They are so tough to play against, and have been for so long. But its great for the game of tennis.

AF: As a player, your defensive play has been noted as one of the best ever. But in order to be so successful, your offensive game was key too. How, if at all, did your play adapt from 2012 on?

Murray: I didnt necessarily change my style. It was more about learning from each big defeat when I lost my first four Grand Slam finals.

Dealing with pressure is a big part of it, and when I accepted that I might never win a slam, I played with a bit more freedom. Mental strength is a big part of being successful in the sport.

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Read Fryes interview with USA Olympian Lindsey Vonn here.