Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray says his recent diagnosis of COVID-19 had the biggest impact on him mentally.
Murray revealed during the first half of January that he had tested positive for the virus and he experienced mild symptoms. At the time the Brit was aiming to play at the Australian Open but was unable to do so as he missed the deadline to enter the two-week quarantine system implemented in the country. Resulting in a frustrated Murray having to start his season at a Challenger event in Italy.
“I’d say [it was] more mental to be honest than physical. It obviously affects your tennis a little bit because it came on the end of a long training block,” Murray told atptour.com. “I’d trained really hard for 10 weeks and was feeling really good and then I wasn’t allowed to do anything. I wasn’t allowed out of the house… that obviously affects the physical side, but also the mental side as well.”
The 33-year-old has experienced a mixed start to the season in Europe. At a Challenger event in Italy he reached the final before losing in straight sets to Illya Marchenko. Just over a week later he returned to action on the ATP Tour by playing at the Open Sud de France. Although he was knocked out in the first round of the tournament by Egor Gerasimov.
Murray’s next test takes place this week at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. A tournament he won back in 2009 by defeating Rafael Nadal in the final. It will be only the sixth time in his career he has played at the event and the first since 2015. His win-loss record in Rotterdam currently stands at 9-4.
“I’m pumped to be back competing again. Physically I feel good, which is the most important thing,” Murray said. “Obviously the next most important thing for me is to get matches and to get back to winning again on Tour.”
Whilst it has been six years since he last played at the tournament, Murray has praised the setup for the venue. No spectators will be allowed due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I like it a lot here. They’ve changed the whole setup. It’s a shame that the fans aren’t here, but I think they’ve done a great job with the centre court. They’ve made a real effort to try and create an atmosphere, which is difficult just now without the fans,” Murray commented. “I think considering the circumstances they’ve done a really nice job for the players and big thanks to everyone involved.”
Murray, who has received a wildcard into the main draw, will play Robin Haase in the first round on Monday. He leads the Dutch player 4-1 in their head-to-head but last played him in 2015. Haase is currently ranked 70 places lower than Murray at 193rd in the world.
“I’ve played Robin a few times on Tour, we know each other pretty well. We’ve had some tough matches in big tournaments and he’s a talented guy with a big game. My focus is on that and trying to take each day as it comes just now,” he concluded.
This season Murray, who has undergone two hip surgeries, is seeking to enter the top 100 for the first time since June 2018.