Andy Murray has said he is upbeat about his chances of returning back to singles competition following his latest hip surgery.
The former world No.1 hasn’t played a match since the Australian Open in January and has only been able to feature in eight tournaments since Wimbledon 2017 due to injury. Earlier this year, he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in an attempt to prolong his career. He has previously admitted that he could be forced to retire from the sport due to his hip.
It is unknown when the Brit will return to the tour, but Murray has hinted that he may play doubles at the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. The 32-year-old has been spotted training at The All England Club and had a hit with Nick Kyrgios on Monday. Murray hasn’t played in the doubles tournament of a grand slam since the 2008 US Open.
“I would say there is very little chance I would play singles during the grass [season]. Potentially doubles, but I’m not trying to get ready for singles just now.” Murray said during an interview with The Times.
On Sunday Murray’s brother Jamie played down the chances of the two pairing up at the grass-court major. Saying that he currently at the ‘peak’ of his career and wants to partner up with somebody more in form. Jamie is currently ranked eighth in the doubles rankings and reached the Wimbledon final back in 2015.
“For me, these are the peak years in my career and if I go to play Wimbledon with someone who hasn’t hit a tennis ball in eight months, I’m kind of giving up one of those years, so that’s a big decision for me to take.” He told reporters on Sunday.
As for singles, Murray admits that it will be unlikely that he will be ready in time to play on the surface this year. Although he is still hopeful that he can return to the tour in the future. Murray has won eight ATP titles on the grass during his career, including two at Wimbledon.
“The thing I said before was that, if I wasn’t feeling good, there was more chance that I would play and then stop after Wimbledon. Whereas if it’s feeling good, it makes a bit more sense to give it time to make sure that it’s as good as possible before I try to play singles on it.” He explained.
“Because I’ve only just started moving now, to get ready for the grass singles-wise I would have to be doing that for two and a half to three weeks before Queen’s, and that would give me only five or six days of building up to start running properly. It’s not enough time.”
One of the inspirations for Murray’s return is Bob Bryan. Doubles specialist Bryan took five months away from the tour last year to have the same procedure as Murray on his hip. Since returning, the 40-year-old has won titles in Delray Beach and Miami alongside his twin brother Bob.
“I don’t have pain,” Murray said. “I just need to see how good the hip can get really. I know from seeing what Bob Bryan has done that for doubles it will be absolutely fine.”
Murray has spent 41 weeks as world No.1 on the ATP Tour during his career.
