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.
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