Andy Murray’s start to the clay swing of the tour remains up in the air after he cautiously spoke about a potential appearance at next week’s Monte Carlo Masters.
The world No.1 hasn’t played a competitive match since his shock loss to Vasek Pospisil in Indian Wells. Murray had to skip the Miami Open and Davis Cup after sustaining an elbow injury. The Brit is currently in France conducting rehab on his elbow. Signs of improvement for the Wimbledon Champion have circulated on social media in recent days. Last week Greek rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas posted a video of his training session with the Brit.
From yesterday’s practice with @andy_murray at the @MouratoglouAcad.
I was very happy to see him play injury-free and in a great shape. pic.twitter.com/3Kxk4HIR0W
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) 7 April 2017
Despite the encouraging signs, Murray has admitted that he is yet to reach full strength with his serve. Leaving him in a difficult situation a week before the start of the first Masters 1000 event on the clay this season.
“I’m doing better,” forbes.com quoted him as saying. “I’ve been hitting here for the last four or five days. The good thing about the injury is that I could do everything except serving. The last four or five days I started to serve a little bit. I’m not serving as fast as I’d like but I’m improving.
Firmly stating that he will be fully fit in time for the French Open, where he lost in the final to Novak Djokovic last year, the 29-year-old was more cautious about events prior to Roland Garros.
“Monte Carlo, I’m trying, but I need to be patient because the elbow can take a lot of time. But each day feels like a bit better.” He explained.
Match for Africa test
The biggest indication yet of Murray’s current fitness will occur on Monday night. In Zurich he will play a charity match against Roger Federer to raise money for the Roger Federer foundation. The ‘Match for Africa 3’ is set to generate huge media atention and will be broadcasted live around the world.
Prior to their showdown at the Hallenstadion Zurich, crowds have already gathered to watch the two participate in promotional activities.
Close up @rogerfederer and @andy_murray #matchforafrica3. 🎥 (selinamarias) pic.twitter.com/GTiYU4HpKw
— Allez Roger (@kah22jad) 10 April 2017
Murray has played Federer 25 times on the ATP Tour and trails their head-to-head 11-14.
