Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray is ‘hitting the ball well’ as his comeback to the tour gains momentum, according to Tim Henman.
The former world No.1 has been sidelined from action since the Davis Cup finals in November due to what was initially diagnosed as bruising around the pelvic area. Although Murray has since said his slow recovery from the problem could be linked to the hip resurfacing surgery he underwent last year. It is believed that the discomfort he has been experiencing in recent time in the groin area is related to soft tissue growing around his metal hip. The medical term is called heterotopic ossification, which is defined as an abnormal growth of bone in the non-skeletal tissues.
Despite admitting a couple weeks ago that he may be forced to undergo another operation to correct the issue, for the moment it appears that Murray will not be taking that option. Instead, he is hoping for a return to the tour in the near future. All tournaments on the ATP Tour have been suspended until the end of April due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Something Henman believes could be a blessing in disguise.
“In the grand scheme of things, this just gives him a bit more time keep getting fitter, stronger and faster,” Henman told The Glasgow Times.
“I was with Andy earlier in the week in London and watched him practice and he’s really hitting the ball well and he’s building his strength up all the time.
“The fact that things have been delayed, in the context of what he’s been through, I don’t think it’s too serious..”
Since the 2017 Wimbledon Championships, Murray has only been able to play singles in 15 tournaments on the ATP Tour (including one at Challenger level). The majority of his absence was due to a troublesome hip injury, which he underwent two surgeries on within as many years.
“He’s been out for so long, although he’s obviously had his moments where he’s been back playing, but it’s really been two-and-a-half years so if he’s got to wait another six weeks or so, I don’t think it’s the end of the world for him.” Henman stated.
“It’s very difficult for everyone because there’s so much uncertainty but you have to take that cautious approach so no tournaments for six weeks. It’s very sad for those events affected, the players, the fans, the sponsors and everyone else but it’s really out of everyone’s control.”
Elaborating further, the former world No.4 believes nobody should be writing Murray off just yet. Henman never won a major title during his career, but is still regarded as one of Britain’s greatest players in the Open Era. Winning 11 ATP title from 28 finals and earning just over $11.6 million in prize money. He is also a six-time grand slam semi-finalist.
“He’s 32-years-old and he’s not getting any younger and that’s where it’ll be hard because time isn’t on his side. But it’s amazing to come back and win a tournament on the tour – to win Antwerp like he did last year was an incredible achievement and I think he can get back playing even better than that.” He commented on Murray.
“To compete over seven matches over five sets like he’ll need to do to win grand slam titles will be very, very difficult but as I’ve seen time and time again with Andy, if you say to him he can’t do something, he certainly likes to prove people wrong.”
‘Wimbledon needs Andy’
Also weighing in on the likelihood of a triumphant return, Boris Becker has told The Mirror that he believes Murray still has what it takes to challenge the best in the world. Last year he scored wins over top 20 players Matteo Berrettini and Stan Wawrinka.
“He has to be patient – which is very tough when you have missed so much tennis.” Said Becker.
“He has to build up his physical condition again but he can only do that by getting on the practise courts and playing in tournaments.
“The more tournaments he plays, the more he will play the top guys on a regular basis.”
The German said he hopes to be seeing the Brit playing at his home grand slam later this year. Which is scheduled to get underway on June 29th, but that could potentially change due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
“I think Andy needs Wimbledon – and Wimbledon needs Andy just as much.” Becker stated.
“It is always more fun when the home fans have a favourite to get behind – and as a great Wimbledon champion, Andy is a big part of the tournament.
“I would say we really missed him last year, although he did play doubles.
“We all want to see him in the singles this year because it would be good for the championships.”
So far in his career, Murray has won 46 ATP titles and spent 41 consecutive weeks as world No.1. He is the only player in the Open Era to have won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in singles.
It is unclear as to what tournament Murray may start his return.
