WIMBLEDON: Andy Murray believes he can once again challenge for the biggest titles in men’s tennis as continues his comeback from a second hip operation.
The former world No.1 began his latest return to professional tennis in June at the Fever-Tree Championships after a five-month hiatus. At present, Murray is focusing on the doubles as he continues his rehabilitation process. In this year’s Wimbledon championships he entered into both men’s and mixed doubles draws with Pierre-Hughes Herbert and Serena Williams.
“I know how bad I felt in Australia and how bad I felt the last year that I played singles here, and I feel better now than I did then,” Murray told The Times on Monday. “So if physically I can get back to a good level, my tennis is still fine. I’m sure that tennis-wise, I will be able to keep up with guys.”
Murray has been affected by injury since the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. Last year he could only play six tournaments on the tour before ending his season early. During that period he achieved seven wins with his best run being to the quarter-finals of the Washington Open.
No comeback date has been provided yet about when the Brit will return back to singles competition. Speculation has mounted that is could be in September at a Scottish Challenger tournament which has been named in honor of Murray’s family. Although is it also possible that he may enter the US Open, which starts on August 26th.
The signs are currently good for the 32-year-old, who has stated that he no longer feels any pain in his hip. Shortly after the Australian open, he underwent hip resurfacing surgery. A procedure which involves inserting a metal pole into the joint.
“My back gets a bit stiff playing doubles. It’s just quite different movements on the grass.” Murray commented about his current health last week.
“You’re kind of in a crouched-over position a lot when you’re up at the net, which is kind of different to what I’ve always trained and been used to playing singles.”
At Wimbledon, Murray lost in the second round of the men’s doubles but is still playing in the Mixed with Serena. His next match will take place on Tuesday against 14th seeds Fabrice Martin and Raquel Atawo.
