Former world No.1 Andy Murray has undergone surgery on his hip in a move that could save his tennis career.
The 31-year-old underwent hip resurfacing surgery in London on Monday where he had a metal plate inserted into the joint. It is hoped that the procedure could help prolong Murray’s career. Prior to the Australian Open, the Brit gave an emotional press conference in which he said Melbourne may be where he plays his last professional match due to persistent hip pain.
“I underwent a hip resurfacing surgery in London yesterday morning.” Murray wrote in a Instagram post. “I’m feeling a bit battered and bruised just now but hopefully that will be the end of my hip pain.”
Murray has been troubled by hip problems for almost two years. Between 2017-2018, he missed 11 months of the tour due to the injury. In January 2018 he underwent his maiden hip operation, but continued to experience pain 12 months later following the procedure.
Shortly after his first round loss to Roberto Bautista Agut at the Australian Open, Murray revealed that he was contemplating having the procedure. Although he admits that he is not certain that it will guarantee his return to the tour.
“Having an operation like that, there’s absolutely no guarantees I’d be able to play again. I’m fully aware of that. It’s a really big operation. There’s no guarantees that you can come back from that. But there is the possibility, because guys have done it before.” He said.
There has been no information given about the length of recovery time. Murray has previously said that it differs depending on the person. Although there is a strong chance that it will rule him out of Wimbledon for the second year in a row. Raising questions about if and when he will return to the tour.
Murray is not the first player to undergo hip resurfacing. Doubles specialist Bob Bryan has also previously undergone the procedure. The two have previously talked with each other about the procedure. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Bryan was cautiously optimistic about Murray’s chances of a full recovery.
“I feel great, quality of life is great, practises are going well,” Bryan said following his operation.
“Maybe I’m not 100% yet, but I’m only five months since surgery. The doctors said it will be more like seven or eight months until you feel perfect.
“Until I feel that, I can’t give you the guarantee, but I think he’s to the point where this is probably his last option.
“I never once told him this is the way to go because singles is a different monster.
“Those guys are sliding around, killing themselves for four hours. Who knows if this joint would hold up.”
Murray will now undergo an extensive rehabilitation process.
