Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has accepted a wildcard to play at the Nature Valley International in Eastbourne as he continues his come-back after being sidelined by a hip injury for almost a year.
He made his come-back at the Queen’s where he lost to Nick Kyrgios in three sets in 2 hours and 39 minutes after saving two match points. Saying after the match that he would wait to see how his body responded before deciding on his next steps.
He is expected to take a decision on whether he will play at Wimbledon after Eastbourne.
Murray will play at the ATP 250 grass court tournament for the first time since 2006, when this event was staged in Nottingham.
Last January Murray underwent surgery on his right hip last January and has dropped to world number 156.
“It was good to get back to competition at Queen’s and I am hoping to build on that next week. I am looking forward to getting some more time on the grass courts at Eastbourne. I played Davis Cup there in 2010 and I know the courts and facilities there are excellent”, said Murray.
The Eastbourne tournament features three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, British Number 1 and this year’s Australian Open semifinalist Kyle Edmund, this year’s Madrid semifinalist Denis Shapovalov and 2017 Queen’s champion Feliciano Lopez.
“Andy is a great champion and immensely popular with fans both here in Britain and around the world. With two Wimbledon titles to his name his grass court credentials are impeccable and I am sure the fans will give Andy a warm welcome down here in Eastbourne”, said Eastbourne tournament director Gavin Fletcher.
This year’s Australian Open Caroline Wozniacki is the top seed of the WTA tournament in Eastbourne which also features Johanna Konta and Heather Watson.
