Editor's note

Andy Murray showed the grit that has become a hallmark of his career when he bowed out of the Australian Open after a battling five-set thriller yesterday. It is this determination, write Anna Fitzpatrick – herself a former Great Britain women’s tennis number two – and sports psychologist Peter Olusoga, that has won the hearts of millions of supporters, not to mention the respect of his peers. All the early talk of him as “grumpy”, they say, was a failure to understand the stress of playing top-flight singles tennis. To fight back from two sets down – as he did yesterday while clearly in pain from an injured hip – was an object lesson in courage. But was it wise, asks Francesca Cavallerio.

It’s crunch time for Theresa May with MPs due to vote on her Brexit deal today. If parliament rejects it, the prime minister will be required to bring a “plan B” before MPs within three days. Christopher Kirkland looks at what some of her options are.

People differ dramatically in how well they understand their feelings, motivations and thinking patterns. While we have some ideas about who we are, our understanding of ourselves is often patchy and inconsistent. But is self-knowledge something we should strive for, or are we better off living in blissful ignorance? Niia Nikolova explains.

Jonathan Este

Associate Editor, Arts + Culture Editor

Top stories

EPA-EFE/Kerim Okten

Andy Murray aced the media and became a global role model – but here’s why tennis players sometimes seem a little grumpy

Anna Fitzpatrick, Sheffield Hallam University; Peter Olusoga, Sheffield Hallam University

He was seen as 'moody' and 'petulant', but Murray was just a single-minded champion who deserves the success he has enjoyed.

EPA/EFE

Andy Murray: breaking away from sport’s ‘no pain, no gain’ culture

Francesca Cavallerio, Anglia Ruskin University

Too often athletes are forced into a narrative in which their sport overtakes everything, to the detriment of their health and future happiness.

Crunch time. Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Brexit: what are Theresa May’s options for a ‘plan B’?

Christopher Kirkland, York St John University

The UK government is widely expected to lose a key vote on Brexit – here are the options facing the prime minister.

javi_indy/Shutterstock

Want to be happier? Try getting to know yourself

Niia Nikolova, University of Strathclyde

If you develop an awareness of how you feel you are more likely to be able to change negative thinking patterns.

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