Andy Murray admits latest fitness battle ‘has been harder’
The last few months have been tough for Andy Murray, but he believes it will make him stronger and help him to “enjoy” his return to action.
The three-time Grand Slam winner hasn’t played any competitive tennis since Wimbledon last year and he underwent hip surgery in January after being forced to pull out of the Australian Open.
However, he has returned to training and he has pencilled in the Libema Open in the Netherlands in June as his comeback event, but there has been talk that he could also sign up for the Challenger Tour event in Glasgow starting on April 30.
Murray, though, admits it’s been a long and difficult journey.
“This time has been harder. There’s been a lot more ups and downs this time. It’s been longer and a lot more complex than the back issue,” he told the Washington Post.
“Having been through a back injury and a difficult surgery before helps, but the back injury was easier because I was back on the court competing quite soon afterwards.
“I will enjoy it more (returning to action). I think when you go through an injury like this you realise how much you miss playing, how important it is to you.
“I like pressure, I miss that, something that you don’t get in day-to-day life, something that I’ve had as part of my life for 13, 14 years since I became a pro. I miss that, I miss the competition.
“You never quite know what’s around the corner. I certainly never anticipated something like this, so I certainly won’t take anything for granted when I come back.”
The Scot has also confirmed he will play in the Citi Open in Washington as part of his US Open build-up. It will be the third time that he will compete at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
“I enjoyed it both the two times that I played,” he said. “It’s a nice tournament, good conditions, nice and warm, and the players get looked after very, very well there. I like it, even though it didn’t go well the last time I was there. Me and my team had a good time there and wanted to come back.”
Latest
-
ATP TourCasper Ruud inspired by Roger Federer
Casper Ruud is hoping to follow the example of Roger Federer.
-
Tennis NewsStefanos Tsitsipas social media post suggests he is still dreaming about Roger Federer
Tsitsipas has given a hint that he doesn’t want his weekend playing alongside the greats of the modern game to end.
-
ATP TourATP Race to Turin hots up in Seoul, Sofia and Tel Aviv
Novak Djokovic is one of a number of ATP Tour stars out to get ahead in the Race to Turin.
-
ATP TourNovak Djokovic outlines his ambitions as he prepares for ATP Tour return
Novak Djokovic has insisted his ambition to achieve more in the game.
-
Tennis NewsSerena Williams reveals why she decided to retire at the US Open
Serena Williams says she wants to devote her time to being a mother to her daughter Olympia.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer’s former coach reveals inside story on retirement plan
Ljubicic had told Eurosport that Federer’s decision to quit was made some time ago.
-
ATP TourJannik Sinner sets out to bag Sofia Open hat-trick
Can Jannik Sinner win the title in Sofia for the third time in a row?
-
WTA TourWimbledon ban proves a blessing for Liudmila Samsonova
Liudmila Samsonova says missing Wimbledon allowed her to work on her game and she is now reaping the benefits.
-
ATP TourNovak Djokovic heads to Israel under injury cloud
Novak Djokovic struggled with wrist issues during this weekend’s Laver Cup.
-
NewsRoger Federer disappointed by Laver Cup farewell defeat
Team World won the Ryder Cup-style team competition 13-8 at the O2.