Former world No.1 Mats Wilander has said he believes that it may ‘not be realistic’ for Andy Murray to return back to the top of the men’s tour.
Wilander, who won seven grand slam titles during his career, spoke about the British player during an interview with Tennis 365. Earlier this week Murray announced that he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in London. It is the second hip operation he has undergone in as many years. Following his first operation in January 2018, he continued to have pain in the region.
The latest procedure plays a pivotal role in deciding whether or not Murray will be able to return to the tour. During an emotional press conference at the Australian Open, Murray admitted that he might have played his last professional match at the event. However, following his first round loss to Roberto Bautista Agut, the 31-year-old said he would do whatever he can to return.
“There is a strong possibility I won’t come back and play after an operation. I want to play tennis, but not with the hip I have right now,” Murray said during an interview with BBC Radio 5 live.
Commenting on Murray’s current situation, Eurosport commentator Wilander warns that he faces a tough task concerning a potential return. The Swede says the three-time grand slam champion will have to change his game or risk being ‘hit off the court’ by the younger generation of players. Murray played in six tournaments during 2018, reaching the quarter-finals in Washington and Shenzhen. His biggest victory during that time was against David Goffin in Shenzhen.
“Another comeback for Murray after surgery may not be realistic,” Wilander told Tennis365.com.
“I think the game is passing him by a little bit. He’s not going to be able to come out and play the way he did in the past because these young guys are going to hit him off the court. There could be days when he wins a match or two because of the other guys’ unforced errors, but there will be a lot of days when he’ll feel outplayed because the other guys over power him. I know that feeling.”
“If Murray does come back, it’s going to be different unless he changes styles, which has happened with Roger and Rafael Nadal too. They’ve become way more aggressive, which is the natural evolution of a tennis player.” He added.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for Murray. Doubles specialist Bob Bryan underwent the same procedure last year and returned to the tour. However, the physical demand on the body is far greater in singles competition. Bryan said he felt no negative effects following the surgery and now has ‘zero pain’ in his hip. The procedure involves placing a metal cap in the hip.
Regardless if he returns or not, Wilander ranks Murray among the all-time greats. Murray is the first player in history to defend an Olympic title, the first British No.1 and one of only ten men to have reached the final of all four grand slams in the Open Era.
“He’s a top 20 player of all time, for sure,” Wilander stated. “His achievements of winning two Olympic titles, in an era where players really wanted to win it, and three majors, with the guys he was surrounded by, is a great achievement.”
