Defiant Andy Murray vows to reclaim world ranking as he steps up comeback bid

ATP Tour

Michael Graham
July 29, 2018

Andy Murray says he is ready to reclaim his world ranking after stepping up his comeback bid.

The former British and world number one is back on the ATP Tour and preparing for the Citi Open in Washington next week, and he appears in defiant mood.

“I’m feeling better than I did during the grass-court season, that’s for sure,” said Murray.

“But I also haven’t played a hard-court match since Indian Wells last year. That’s a long time.

“I have to see how the body responds… [I’ve] felt pretty good in practice.

Game recognize game.

When @andy_murray met @WayneRooney at #CO50 #DCU @dcunited pic.twitter.com/L1jnJO7V7h

— Citi Open (@CitiOpen) July 28, 2018

“Once I get out there after the first few games, I’m sure I’ll be fine. I just want to have a prolonged period on the match-court right now. I’m looking forward to that.”

The Scotsman, who pulled out of Wimbledon at the last minute over fitness concerns, also highlighted his plans and hopes moving forward and into next season.

“I want to stay healthy through the end of the year,” he said. “I think if I do that, then I’ll start to win more matches, my ranking will move up.

“If I only play one or two tournaments and then take a break for a month, it’s just difficult to get into that routine.

“If I stay fit and healthy, I’m not worried so much about ranking. I want to be winning matches and competing against the best players and that will build my fitness up quicker than anything I could do in the gym.

“So that’s my goal between now and the end of the year and hopefully it’ll mean I’ll be ready to start the 2019 season really well.”

Andy Murray