Jamie Murray says Andy ‘is just excited to be able to play’ after missing out on Australian Open
Jamie Murray has said that his brother Andy is relieved to be back on court after having to withdraw from the Australian Open.
A five-time runner-up in Melbourne, Andy was originally planning to play the event but his plans were scuppered when he tested positive for coronavirus.
The former world No 1 tried to find a way to still travel, but was unable to head to Australia due to the quarantine rules in place and eventually had to withdraw.
After completing his self-isolation, he decided to enter a ATP Challenger Tour event in Biella which started this week as he looks to continue his return to court following injury trouble in recent seasons.
WATCH: Highlights of Andy Murray’s ATP Challenger Tour win, featuring his famous lob on match point
Murray beat Maximillian Marterer in the opening round on Tuesday and Jamie, who won his opening round in the men’s doubles alongside Bruno Soares in Melbourne, said that his younger brother was pleased to be back in action.
Jamie said: “He is just excited to be able to play because he couldn’t go to Australia. He trained so hard for 10-12 weeks in the off-season to be ready to go to Australia and he couldn’t.
“For him he just needs to play matches. He is excited that in the end he was able to go there and play.”
He also praised the three-time Grand Slam champion for choosing to enter a Challenger event despite having previously played at the highest level of the sport for over a decade.
He said: “He is amazing like that. He doesn’t have an ego to say I am too good to go and play a Challenger tournament. He is happy to be there and compete.”
Andy will next face Gian Marco Moroni on Thursday, whilst Jamie and partner Soares will be gearing up for a second round contest against Laslo Dere and Stefano Travaglia Down Under.
Follow Oli Jefford on Twitter @odicksonjefford.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu announces new sponsorship deal as she reveals how decision to become brand ambassador was influenced
Dior the latest to link up with Emma Raducanu.
-
WimbledonThe famous Wimbledon queues will return in 2022 as All England Club reveals changes to the schedule
Covid restrictions meant all tickets for the 2021 tournament were sold online.
-
ATP TourNovak Djokovic gives update on his 2021 schedule as he also reveals when he will return to training
Novak Djokovic gives update on 2021 schedule.
-
Tennis NewsIncredible footage of US Open champ Emma Raducanu playing Indian Wells winner Paula Badosa
Emma Raducanu took on Paula Badosa at a Futures tournament in Bolton two years ago.
-
NewsCameron Norrie inspired by Emma Raducanu’s US Open win, but says it’s ’50-50′ about which story is more believable
Emma Raducanu “inspired me a little bit, that was crazy”, says Cameron Norrie.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray backs Kim Clijsters to win at highest level again with Scot impressed by her ball-striking
“I’m sure she can still win matches at the highest level.”
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic reveals ‘I still don’t know if I will’ play in Australian Open as he vows to stay mum over vaccine status
Questions over Djokovic’s participation in Aus Open.
-
Australian OpenUnvaccinated tennis players warned they are unlikely to receive visas for the 2022 Australian Open
Victoria has a vaccination mandate for professional athletes.
-
ATP TourATP Rankings: Roger Federer out of the top 10, Cameron Norrie into top 20, Andy Murray plunges
This week’s ATP Rankings update.
-
NewsCameron Norrie ‘a great example for not just British players but all tennis players’, says Andy Murray
Cameron Norrie has climbed to 15th in the ATP Rankings after winning the BNP Paribas Open.