If Andy Murray returns back to full fitness he will be able to challenge for grand slam titles in 2018, according to Greg Rusedski.
The former world No.1 is sidelined from the tour due to a hip injury. Murray hasn’t played a match since his quarterfinal loss at the Wimbledon championships. He attempted to stage a comeback at the US Open, but was forced to withdraw from the tournament two days before it got underway. Currently undergoing rehab on his hip, it is unlikely that the Brit will play another tournament this season after recently pulling out of the Paris Masters.
Regardless of the setback, Rusedski is confident that Murray’s mental toughness has not been affected in any way. During an interview with Sky Sports, the 44-year-old predicted that once Murray is fit, he can return back to the top of the sport.
“Murray for me it’s not mental – it’s physical. If the body comes back and the hip is fine and he can get himself physically fit again, and everything is firing, he will be in the mix to win majors again.” He said.
In recent weeks Murray has avoided the media limelight. He is yet to comment on his withdrawal from the final Masters event of the season, which was first reported on Friday. According to The Telegraph, he has resumed training ahead of his charity exhibition night on November 7th. Murray will take on Roger Federer in a exhibition match. After a four-week rest, he is reportedly conducting light practice at the All England Club.
Djokovic’s mental challenge
Another player on the injury bench is Novak Djokovic. Like Murray, the Serbian hasn’t played since Wimbledon due to an elbow injury. He opted to end his season early to rest his arm following advice from doctors.
Set to return to action at the start of next year, Ruseski has questioned how mentally fit he will be. Earlier in the year, concerns were raised about Djokovic’s mentality. Previously, he has admitted that he has occasionally struggled for motivation. In this years French Open, he crashed out in straight sets to Dominic Thiem. Following the match, he stunned reporters when he said ‘all in all, the match was decided in the first set.’
“Djokovic for me, however, with the elbow injury – it’s such a mental question mark. He was the best player bar none when he held all the four majors [at the same time] – which no player had done since Rod Laver.” Rusedski explained.
“The fall from grace he has had has been incredible – that to me is mental and that can be more difficult [to overcome] sometimes than a physical injury.”
Recently the 12-time grand slam champion insisted that his passion for the sport has not lessened. During an interview with sportklub.rs, he said that he hopes to improve his game further and ‘push boundaries’ when he returns.
‘I still want to play, to prove myself and others. Just to move the boundaries, to perfect myself. I believe that, as far as I have achieved in tennis, so far, I have much more to do and perfect.” Explained Djokovic.
‘I see the elements of the game where I see plenty of room for progress. Maybe the others do not see it, but I see, I’m glad my team also sees it, so there’s room to dedicate my analysis of my game.’
Murray and Djokovic are expected to return to the tour in January. They are currently ranked third and seventh in the world, but will drop further down the rankings before the season ends.
