Former champion Andy Murray accepts wildcard entry for Cincinnati Masters

Andy Murray in conversation

Andy Murray will feature in at least one tournament on the North American hard-court swing after accepting a wildcard entry for the Cincinnati Masters.

The former world No 1’s last competitive singles match was a third-round defeat at Wimbledon as he opted to withdraw from the event at the Tokyo Olympics due to a minor thigh strain.

He still teamed up with Joe Salisbury in the men’s doubles, but after losing in the quarter-finals he vowed that he will “see how the injury heals” and won’t “rush” his return.

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Murray’s team, though, did indicate that he should be fit for the US Open, which starts on August 30 and by accepting a wildcard for Cincinnati it indicates that the hard-court Grand Slam remains part of his plans.

The 34-year-old is a two-time former winner in Cincinnati as he won titles in 2008 and 2011 while last year he defeated Frances Tiafoe and fifth seed Alexander Zverev before losing in the third round against Milos Raonic.

American Sebastian Korda has also been handed a wildcard entry into the main draw. The 21-year-old won his maiden ATP Tour singles title at Emilia-Romagna Open in Italy in June and also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon.

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