Britain’s Andy Murray remains committed to packing his schedule as much as possible this month following confirmation that he will play in Doha next week, followed by Dubai.
The move is similar to how Murray jammed in the Antwerp European Open, Vienna Open, Paris Masters and Stockholm at the end of last year to help boost his match fitness.
This time, circumstances are slightly different as the Briton will skip the clay-court season, so is likely, trying to squeeze as much time and competitive action on the courts as possible.
Dubai Tennis Championships Director Salah Tahlak had this to say about confirming Andy Murray’s participation.
“We are delighted to welcome Andy Murray to Dubai once again,” he said.
“Despite the limitations that a succession of injuries has placed upon him, there is absolutely no question that his remarkable competitive spirit is as strong as ever and that he can still challenge the very best in the sport.”
He is also likely to commit to Indian Wells and the Miami Masters next month, and may not even need a wildcard to get in, if he continues his fast progress up the rankings.
Murray sits at 95 in the world, back in the top 100 this week for the first time since 2018, but could break into the top 80 by next week.
The former world number one is currently in Rotterdam, where he impressed yesterday in beating Uzbekistan’s Alexander Bublik in straight sets.
Bublik was fresh off winning his first ATP Tour level title at the weekend where he stunned Alexander Zverev to claim the Open de Sud prize in Montpellier.
Tonight, Murray will face Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime in the match of the day, that our very own Elias Laradi will be there covering for UBITennis.
For Murray, he is continuing his quest to land a first ATP title since winning in Antwerp against friend, rival and fellow three-time Grand Slam champion, Stan Wawrinka, back in October 2019, before the pandemic began.
In the former British number one’s corner is old friend and former mentor, Dani Valverdu, Wawrinka’s coach, who is helping on a temporary basis.
After missing his daughter’s birthday on Monday, the 34-year-old will hope the hard work pays off as he continues building blocks towards his best optimum performance.
