Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray has said that his hip is feeling better than it has done for months on the eve of his return to competitive tennis.
The former world No.1 last played a match in the Davis Cup Finals in November before being sidelined from action due to pelvic bruising in what was the latest setback for the injury-stricken player. Murray has also undergone two hip surgeries with the second of those procedures involving placing a metal rod into his hip joint. Last year he played in nine singles tournaments on the ATP Tour, including the European Open which he won after beating Stan Wawrinka in the final.
“My hip’s been feeling better, probably the last three or four weeks. It feels better than in March,” Murray told reporters on Monday.
“I think the schedule is tricky. I understand the reasons why it’s like that, but I don’t understand exactly which tournaments I will or won’t play.
“The Grand Slams will be my priority, to play in those ones. But, in terms of what I would do in the lead-up to them, I’m not sure.”
Murray’s return to action will get underway today at the Battle of Brits Tournament in London which will be raising money for the National Health Service. Players have been divided into two groups of four for the round robin stage. Murray is set to play James Ward, Liam Broady and Kyle Edmund over the coming days. World No.28 Dan Evans, who is the highest ranked player in the event, will headline the other group.
“I am happy with my draw. I wanted to avoid Evo and Cam, definite favourites for the tournament, they are in good, good shape right now,” Murray said at the draw ceremony.
“Liam Broady has been doing a lot of chatting in the last couple of weeks so I am looking forward to playing him.
“It’s definitely between Cam and Evo, Cam has been practising for the last 10 weeks in New Zealand, he took me out in practice 6-1 6-3. Evo is 28 in the world and also talks a good game.
“I am looking to finish third in my group, I’d be happy with my result. If I made the weekend I’d be delighted and surprised. I haven’t played since November, metal hip and a lot of physical issues.”
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The Battle of Brits is one of a series of tennis events taking place during the Tour suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the ATP and WTA Tour’s are set to resume in August ahead of the US Open, which will start at the very end of that month. For the first time in history the grand slam will be held behind closed doors and players will be subjected to testing throughout their stay in what is essentially being called a ‘bubble.’
Speaking about the upcoming event, 33-year-old Murray has committed to going despite the unique circumstances that will be in place. He is a former champion in New York after triumphing back in 2012.
“I don’t mind what the situation is, providing it’s safe. If I was told I could take one person with me, for example, you can make that work,” he said about the grand slam.
“I would probably go with a physio in that situation, with some coaching done remotely. That’s not a perfect situation, obviously.
“To prepare for a grand slam, you’d probably be over there for three to four weeks beforehand, with no coaching input in your practices or anything.
“So, from a performance perspective, that’s tricky.
“But I also appreciate that these are unprecedented times, so you have to make do with what’s possible. That sort of thing wouldn’t bother me much. For me it’s more about the safety.”
Murray will play Broady in his first match at the Battle of Brits on Tuesday. The tournament will take place between June 23-28.
