Jamie Delgado reveals Andy Murray was close to making a return before tennis was suspended
Andy Murray’s coach Jamie Delgado says the three-time Grand Slam winner was nearing a return to competitive tennis before the ATP Tour went on a hiatus.
Former world No 1 Murray has not played tennis since the Davis Cup Finals last year and, after initially revealing that he suffered a setback that could require further surgery, he got back on track after his body responded well during training.
Delgado says they considered playing at the Miami Open, which was due to start on March 23, but then the tennis season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Andy and I were practising a couple of weeks ago on the hard, with the potential of playing Miami, but we were holding on [over a decision] after the Indian Wells event cancellation,” he told ATP Tennis Radio. “We then practised on clay for some days, then bit by bit [the world] closed down. We will just have to wait and see when the restrictions lift for everyone.
“It’s a tough time for everyone, not just on the tennis court, but the whole world has come to a halt. I haven’t left the house for a couple of days, and I only leave to get food and exercise once per day… My parents were on a cruise a couple of weeks ago in Central America, but were fortunate to get off and get a flight.”
The ATP and WTA initially put tennis on ice until June 7 with clay-court tournaments cancelled while the French Open was moved to September.
That was later extended until July 13, wiping out the grass-court campaign, but Delgado admits it could be a while before tennis returns.
“Tennis is such an international, global sport, that it may take a while to get back. Players, coaches, officials, sponsors and fans are all involved,” he said. “It’s not like a domestic football league, where no one is needed to fly in or fly out. With Andy coming close to fitness, this virus was the last thing we wanted.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
NewsOn This Day in 2016: Maria Sharapova reveals positive drugs test
The five-time Grand Slam winner would ultimately be banned from tennis for 15 months.
-
NewsFrancisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA TourClassy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP TourWATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP TourAndrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP TourRoger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA TourGarbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP TourStefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
NewsLawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.