Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray has said he is ‘pain-free’ as he ponders a potential return to the tour in the near future.
The former world No.1 hasn’t played a match since his first round loss to Roberto Bautista Agut at the Australian Open. It was during that tournament the Brit admitted that he may be forced to retire from the sport due to a chronic hip injury. However, since then Murray has undergone hip-resurfacing surgery in a last ditch attempt to continue his career. The procedure involves inserting a metal pole into the joint.
“The hip is really good and there is no pain anymore.” Murray said during an interview with the BBC on Sunday. “I’m just a bit weak from the incision in the operation. I’m pain free, happy and enjoying my life.”
Yet to undergo a fully intensive training session, it remains to be seen when or if the Brit will return to competitive tennis. He is currently on the entry list for The Fever-Tree Championships, which starts in 50 days time. However, Murray is only on the list because he has a lifetime commitment to the tournament. The chances are still slim about if he would be ready in time to play.
“I have been hitting the ball from a stationary position but I haven’t been doing any movement. I don’t feel any pressure to get playing again but if my body will allow, I will try. “ He said.
Murray is the official starter for this year’s London Marathon. Last year the race was started by Queen Elizabeth II. His former coach, Amelie Mauresmo, is one of the thousands of runners taking part. Mauresmo is trying to run the race in three hours and 15 minutes. Should she do that, it would be 11 minutes quicker than what Caroline Wozniacki ran during the 2014 New York Marathon (3:26:33).
“I’m not a good runner but I came to watch my wife do it five or six years ago and I loved it. The atmosphere was amazing and I would definitely do it someday.” Murray commented about the London Marathon.
“The only other time I have seen anything like it was during the Olympics where everyone comes together to support the same cause. I just came to spot my wife, but by the end, I was cheering everyone.”
The Gimelstob debate
Despite being sidelined from the tour, Murray has also shared his opinion about one of the most debated off-court topics in men’s tennis. Next month a vote will take place concerning the future of Justin Gimelstob, who has been involved in an assault charge against his former friend. He was issued with a 60-day community service and a three-year probation.
In light of the charges, calls have been made for Gimelstob to lose his position as a player representative on the powerful ATP Board, who made the decision to remove CEO Chris Kermode earlier this year.
“I don’t see how, with everything that has gone on, how it’s possible for him to remain in a position of authority or management at the ATP right now.” Murray told The Sunday Telegraph.
It is understood that former world No.7 Tim Mayotte is among a series of people who will challenge Gimelstob for the position. Another possible candidate is Grigor Dimitrov’s coach Dani Vallverdu.
The vote will take place on May14th.
