LONDON: Former world No.1 Andy Murray has left The Queen’s Club with more questions than answers as he considers the possibility of missing the Wimbledon championships for the first time since 2007.
Playing in his first match since Wimbledon last year, Murray lost a marathon encounter against Nick Kyrgios. Succumbing 7-5 in the decisive set after two hours and 41 minutes of play. Kick-starting what could be a slow recovery back to his top form, the Brit is staying on the cautious side about his return.
“I thought I did okay. I certainly could have done some stuff better, like at the beginning of the second set I thought my level at times was good; sometimes not so good.” Murray reflected during his press conference.
“I didn’t feel like I served particularly well in the third set. I did some good stuff, as well.
“I didn’t feel amazing well physically, like at the end I was starting to tire a bit, but it was a good test for me for the first match in such a long time.”
Murray’s conqueror Kyrgios acknowledged that his rival was not the same player as the one he had lost to on five previous occasions. The Australian has spoken highly of Murray multiple times. Referring to him as one of his ‘better friends’ on the tour.
“I’m sure it wasn’t anywhere near his highest level, but I wasn’t expecting anything less.” Kyrgios said during his press conference.
“I knew he was going to compete. It wasn’t going to take him long to see the ball at all. He returned — every time he got a racquet on the ball he made may serve back.
“His service rhythm and all that will take time to come back. I thought he played okay.”
Now the 31-year-old is back in action, it is unknown as to what his next move will be. Murray admitted that his 161-minute clash was longer than any training session he had conducted throughout his rehabilitation. Raising questions about how he will fair in a best-of-five match in a grand slam.
“It’s something I need to speak to my team about, and also how I feel like tomorrow is relevant, as well, because if I wake up and I really don’t feel good tomorrow, then that’s obviously not a great sign for best-of-five-set tennis at this stage.” He explained.
“I’ll need to kind of assess over the next day or so, couple of days, and speak to my team a bit about, see where I go from here.”
For now, all options are on the table for Murray as he consults with his team over the coming days. Including the potential of a return to Eastbourne next week. A tournament he has only played once back in 2006. Another option would be to focus on the lower level events and miss his home major.
“I won’t rule out playing Eastbourne and not playing Wimbledon. I wouldn’t rule out not playing a tournament next week and trying to get matches like in an exhibition tournament, as well, to get ready for Wimbledon.” He stated.
“I’ll kind of need to wait and see what happens the next few days and chat with my team about that, because I don’t know exactly what’s best for me just now.”
The Wimbledon Championships will start on July 2nd.
Possible options for Andy Murray next week
- Play at the Eastbourne International via wildcard
- Seek entry into the Boodles Exhibition
- Play at the Fuzion 100 Ilkley Trophy, a Challenger event
- Take a week off competitive tennis
