Doubles grand slam champion, Jamie Murray has claimed that his brother Andy is cautiously optimistic at a potential return to tennis.
The former world number one had hip resurfacing surgery after the Australian Open and is looking much more upbeat at a potential return to the sport.
One person who knows him better than most is brother and doubles specialist Jamie who says that Andy is cautiously optimistic about a return to the sport.
Speaking to the two Barry’s Tennis Takeaway Podcast, the doubles world number eight spoke about his brother’s state of mind, “I think he’s probably cautiously optimistic now,” Jamie said.
“He obviously didn’t know what was going to be possible so first and foremost I think he’s just happy not to have the pain everyday because that was so debilitating, so depressing each day to wake up and go through that pain all the time. At least he’s got rid of that now and hopefully he can get back on court, but to what level? We don’t know yet.”
Jamie also spoke about another doubles player Bob Bryan, who had the same surgery, and how he has inspired Andy to realise there is hope of a comeback, “He saw Bob Bryan in Miami last week having had the same surgery and he’s 41-year-old now,” the Brit explained.
“So I’m sure that gives him enough confidence to know he can get back out on court and play. Obviously, doubles is a lot different. You’re getting out and running side-to-side on a singles court and movement plays a huge part in his game.”
However despite the increased positivity from Andy ahead of his possible return, there now comes as a warning for fans as Jamie said that his brother will only comeback if he still believes he can win the big titles.
“If you told him that you can come back and you can play to 40 in the world, I don’t think that’s inspiring for him when you’re used to playing semi-finals, finals, and all these big matches, but again, I don’t know how much he misses it.
“I don’t know how much he misses the competition and being back on court competing. I would imagine for him, having had so many incredible moments on a tennis court, if you don’t feel like you can achieve them again then it would be difficult to stay quite motivated.”
While Andy is still recovering, Jamie Murray has already started his clay-court season after a first round exit in Marrakech with former partner John Peers.
The two time grand slam champion will now compete at the Monte-Carlo Rolex-Masters next week with regular partner Bruno Soares.