Andy Murray vows to not rush singles comeback despite Queen’s success story

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Andy Murray presser

Andy Murray has admitted he may never return to singles action, despite his stunning return to action at the Queen’s Club last week.

Murray teamed up with Feliciano Lopez to win the doubles event at the Fever-Tree Championships, with his performance sparking suggestions that he could bring forward his return to singles as he continues to recover from hip surgery.

Yet writing in his BBC column, Murray has insisted he will not be tempted to make a quick comeback to the solo form of the game, as he continues to weigh up his options ahead before he plays doubles with Marcelo Melo in Eastbourne this week.

“I still haven’t given much thought to when exactly I could come back in the singles,” he stated. “I know how my body has felt after the matches over the past few days and, although I’ve had no pain in my hip, I’ve still been sore and a bit stiff.

“That’s because my body needs to adapt to the new hip and the new movements, the stresses and strains I’m putting on it, so I know I need to respect that process.

“I’m not going to rush this and I’ve no interest in doing that. I’m perfectly happy doing what I have done in the past week at Queen’s.

“If my body continues to feel good and keeps progressing then I would like to try to and play singles, but if it doesn’t – and I get to a point where I’m playing and practising singles, and think I’m not quick enough or able to compete at a level I’m happy with – then continuing playing doubles is maybe something I’d consider.

Andy Murray with fans at Queen's

“I’ve said since my operation I ultimately would like to return to playing singles, but honestly I don’t mind either way. If a return to singles happens in September, or next year, I genuinely don’t mind.

Murray also revealed details of his latest meeting with former Manchester United and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who watched him practicing at Queen’s Club on Saturday.

“He’s a big tennis fan; I’ve met him a few times and he’s come to Queen’s a few times as well,” added Murray.

“One of the times I met him – and for me this was very interesting – was after I lost to Roger Federer at the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in 2014. I lost 6-0 6-1 and I was 5-0 down in the second – I got absolutely killed by him.

“When I was walking back to my locker room from the court I saw Jose, and he just came up to me and hugged me. A big hug, no words. That was it.

“It was nice because often in those situations people try to find words and nothing really works. He didn’t have to speak because I got the feeling he felt for me that night and he wanted to show that.

“So it was great to see him again at Queen’s and I always enjoy chatting to him, especially about football.”

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