LONDON: Novak Djokovic believes Andy Murray needs to conquer his mental demons if he wants to return back to the top of the men’s game.
31-year-old Murray is set to return to action at the upcoming Fever-Tree Championships in London. It will be his first tournament since Wimbledon after missing 11 months of the tour due to a hip injury. In January the Brit underwent surgery to treat the problem after failing to recover in time for the Australian Open. Resulting in a slow and frustrating comeback.
“He has been absent for longer than I have.” Djokovic said on Sunday. ”Hips – I don’t know how painful it is but I think the biggest challenge will always be mental. How to get it out of your head, know it’s behind you and focus on your game.”
Djokovic knows what it is like to be on the sidelines of the tour. At an almost identical time to Murray (shortly after Wimbledon) he ended his 2017 season. He did so due to a serious elbow injury that has been bothering him for months prior. Djokovic returned to competitive tennis at the start of this year, but has since undergone a minor medical procedure. During his rehabilitation, he had also had to change his service motion to alleviate the pressure put onto his elbow.
“I faced myself a major injury that got me off the court for six plus months. You feel the consequences of that more mentally than Physically, I think.” He explained. “I never knew that it was going to take so much time for me to get back into the state of mind where I am comfortable and confident with my game, with the changes I have made.”
The physical struggles of the 12-time grand slam champion are now in the past. Although Djokovic admits himself that he finds its frustrating that he can no longer execute parts of his game as well as he has previously done. Asked about what advice he would give to Murray, the Serbian continued to reiterate the importance of the mental side of the sport.
“If you don’t have mental clarity on the court, especially on the grass where everything happens very quickly, it is very difficult to play.” He stated.
“I wish him (Murray) all the best. Tennis misses him. He’s a great champion. A great guy. Very dedicated.”
Others speak out
Marin Cilic, who trails Murray 3-12 in their head-to-head, believes his decision to start his comeback on the grass is a tricky one. The Brit has won eight out of his 45 titles on the surface. Including two Wimbledon trophies.
“I would say that it is the most difficult thing to come back on the grass. In terms of movement you’re exposed. Especially Andy, who hasn’t played for nearly 12 months now.” He said.
“Even though he probably one of the most natural playing guys on the grass. I believe it’s still going to be a bit difficult for him to find his ground.”
Grigor Dimitrov believes that the home advantage will help the five-time Queen’s champion overcome any difficulty. Murray will start his campaign against the formidable Nick Kyrgios, who recently reached the semifinals of the Stuttgart Open. Kyrgios has been blighted by a shoulder injury in recent weeks.
“It’s a tough match for a first match in a long time.” Said Dimitrov.
“To see somebody coming back, especially Andy, it is great. Not only great for the tournament, but for the British fans. I think for him to play in a home tournament in front of his home crowd and family. That will help boost him up. Even if he is not 100 percent ready. That’s going to help him stay positive and look into the future.”
The main draw of the Fever-Tree Championships will get underway on Monday.
