A mixed start to the year has failed to dent the confidence of world No.1 Andy Murray as he prepares to launch his offensive on the clay.
The first four months has seen the Brit triumph in Dubai, settle for runner-up to Djokovic in Doha, stumble against Mischa Zverev in Melbourne and crash out to Vasek Pospisil in Indian Wells. More recently, a troublesome elbow injury has been hampering Murray’s progression on the tour.
Due to his physical issues, a month has passed since Murray last played a ATP match. Some of the questions surrounding his fitness were answered earlier this week when the world No.1 took part in an exhibition match. Facing Roger Federer in the ‘Match for Africa 3’, he lost the encounter in straight sets. At the time he was struggling to reach full force in his game, but the Wimbledon champion has assured that things are going in the right direction.
“I was not optimistic after playing Roger (Federer) in Zurich (exhibition last week), my serve felt much slower than normal,” he said on Sunday. “But every day I was building up. Often the elbow can get sore if I’ve not served for a week or 10 days. But each day started to get better.
“That’s what we had been hoping for. I had to take two or two and a half weeks off for it so I don’t know which it was, the lack of serving or the injury.”
The Monte Carlo Test
Monte Carlo will mark the start of Murray’s 2017 clay-court campaign. It is a tournament that is yet to bring him success. Three times a semifinalist at the event, Monte Carlo remains the only Masters 1000 event where Murray hasn’t reached the final at least once. It remains to be seen if he can end the drought this year, but doubts over his fitness has been brushed aside.
“I would not be playing if I felt I was taking a risk. For the last two days I’ve been serving normally,” he explained. “By the time of my match I will have had five days of serving at the right speed.”
The recent misfortunes of Murray have failed to stand in the way of his high expectations. Last year the 29-year-old enjoy a solid clay season. Defeating Djokovic to win Rome, he also reached finals in Madrid and Roland Garros.
“I have a lot of big events coming on and I’m looking forward to them. My clay expectations are very high.” Murray stated.
Granted a first round bye in Monte Carlo, Murray will start against either Spanish veteran Tommy Robredo or the fast-serving Gilles Muller.
