Andy Murray has spoken out about how emotionally challenging it was for him to decide to miss his country’s upcoming Davis Cup clash with Uzbekistan.
On Monday evening it was confirmed that Murray, alongside British No.1 Kyle Edmund, will miss the tie. The 31-year-old has made the decision in order to continue his rehabilitation process in America. Murray missed almost a year of competition due to a hip injury, which required surgery, before starting a comeback in June.
“I have genuinely loved competing in this Davis cup format over the course of my career and have had some of the most memorable and special moments (the lob) of my career competing for my country.” The three-time grand slam champion wrote on Instagram.
Next year the Davis Cup will be changed to a new format. In February home and away ties will be played prior to a final showdown at the end of November. Where 18 teams will compete for the title at a neutral location. A motion that means next week’s British tie could be the last time Scotland could host a Davis Cup event for a while.
“With this possibly being my last chance to compete in Scotland as a professional I really wanted to be there with team and found this decision emotionally quite challenging.” Reflected Murray, who was born in Glasgow.
“I had spoken to our captain, Leon, about possibly coming to just play doubles but having been recommended to take a couple of weeks off hitting to continue my reconditioning I didn’t want to just show up not ready to perform to a high enough standard and ultimately let my teammates/country down.”
Speaking about the changes during this year’s Western and Southern Open, Murray has stated that he doesn’t oppose them. Arguing that if the new approach fails, it can just revert back to the original format.
Murray has been an instrumental figure in his country’s Davis Cup success, guiding them to their first title in 79 years back in 2015. Since making his debut in 2005, he has won 39 out of 45 matches played in the event.
“I just want to say thank you so much to all the fans who have come along to watch and support the team over the years.” Murray said in tribute to the fans.
“You have created some incredible atmospheres for me and the team to play in and I will always remember that.”
Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan will start on September 14th. Cameron Norrie, Jay Clarke, Dan Evans, Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot have been included in the British team.
Murray’s full statement
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