A couple years ago Andy Murray’s objective at the start of the season was to win titles, but now his goal is to be able to play a series of matches without succumbing to pain.
The past 18 months have been an emotional roller coaster for the three-time grand slam champion. It all started during the 2017 Wimbledon Championships, where he was forced to withdraw from the quarter-finals due to a hip injury. Little did he know at the time that the injury would result in him missing 11 months of the tour.
This time last year, Murray was preparing to play at the Brisbane International. Unfortunately, his hip didn’t allow him to do so as he eventually gave in and had an operation to help fix the problem. The comeback has been a slow and frustrating one for the Brit. This year Murray has played in six tournaments before deciding to end his season early for a longer training block. His best run was to the quarter-finals of the Washington Open in the summer.
Earlier this week Murray flew to Brisbane once again to make his final preparations ahead of the new season. His first tournament of 2019 will be the Brisbane International, which he won in 2012 and 2013. Although his hip continues to be a factor in his plans.
“I still have some pain in my hip but I need to play matches and see how it feels when I am able to play three, four, five matches in a row and take it from there,’’ Murray told The Courier Mail.
“Last year when I came here (to Australia) it was tough, I was struggling quite a lot. It definitely feels a bit better than it did coming here last year. I’ve always loved playing here.
“I’m in a better place than I was a few months ago.’’
A former world No.1, Murray has won 45 titles on the ATP Tour. Although his last occurred at the Dubai Tennis Championships in March 2017. Now ranked 256th in the world, the main priority for Murray is his health.
“I would just like to get through the tournaments and feel like I am able to compete and not be restricted by my hip.’’ He stated.
During his practice sessions at the Queensland Tennis Centre this week, Murray had had a hit with US Open champion Naomi Osaka. He also has plans for another session with local player John Millman.
The Brisbane Open main draw will get underway on Monday.
