Andy Murray says he ‘genuinely believes’ that he can still challenge for the biggest titles in tennis despite a series of injury setbacks that has forced him to drop outside of the top 100.
The former world No.1 has been blighted by various setbacks in recent years which include undergoing two hip surgeries in successive years. In 2019 he underwent hip resurfacing surgery which involves inserting a metal rod into his joint. Since then the Brit has still endured some problems on the court with a pelvic issue also troubling him last season. To add to his woes he was also forced to miss the Australian Open in February due to testing positive for COVID-19 leading up to the tournament.
Despite his misfortunes, 33-year-old Murray is not giving up on his career yet with the hope that he will once again become a formidable force on the men’s Tour. His resume currently features 46 ATP titles and 41 weeks as world No.1.
“Before Australia, like in December I was chatting to my team about the Aussie Open. I was like: ‘I really feel like I can still go deep in that tournament.’ Murray said during an interview with Amazon Prime.
“I was starting to believe it, visualise it and stuff – which hadn’t been the case last year or anything.
“So, my expectation is to go and do well in these events. Winning it right now is probably a bit ambitious, but I do feel like I can compete with the top, top players in the world.
“Then hopefully in a few months time if I’m able to remain on the court and healthy, with more matches and stuff, it’ll start to happen more regularly.”
One Murray’s goals is to peak in time for the Wimbledon Championships which he has won on two previous occasions. He hasn’t played a singles match at the grass-court major since reaching the quarter-finals back in 2017. Overall, he has won 57 out of 67 matches played at Wimbledon.
“I want to be on the courts at Wimbledon and feeling like I have a chance of winning the event,” he stated.
“I’m aware that that would be extremely tough, but I do genuinely believe it’s possible.
“I need weeks and months of training and practsising and matches and good health. But I do feel like it’s possible.
“I’m sure some people will think I’m delusional and that my best days are behind me and everything – which may be the case. But I still feel I can compete with the best players in the biggest tournaments.”
The Brit has experienced a mixed start to 2021 on the Tour. In February he reached the final of a Challenger tournament in Italy before losing to Illya Marchenko. He then returned to the ATP Tour by playing in Marseille but lost in the first round to Egor Gerasimov. At his most recent tournament in Rotterdam he defeated Robin Haase before losing in straight sets to Andrey Rublev.
Murray’s next challenge will be at the Miami Open which has received a wild card to play in the main draw. He is a two-time champion in Miami and also reached the final of two other occasions. He hasn’t progressed beyond the third round of a Masters 1000 event since 2016 but former player Greg Rusedski says he shouldn’t be written off.
“Andy is the most competitive guy you’ll ever see in your life. You don’t win three majors and get to number one and everything he’s accomplished without that massive belief and massive drive,” Rusedski told Sky Sports.
“Miami’s one of his favourite places to play. If he gets a good draw, there’s a real possibility of him having a good run. For me, the question mark is always his movement to his forehand side.
“You can never discount great champions and it would be great to see him playing well again. You shoot for the stars and maybe you get to the moon.”
Murray will open his Miami Open campaign against Lloyd Harris who recently reached the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships. The winner will then play Roberto Bautista Agut.
