Wimbledon 2019: Andy Murray offers latest update on expected singles return
Despite making his competitive return to tennis, there is still a long way to go until the Scot is ready for singles action
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former world No 1 Andy Murray has said it could take up to a year for him to regain the strength in his hip needed for a return to singles action.
The 32-year-old claimed the doubles title with Feliciano Lopez at Queen’s Club on his return to competitive tennis late last month after undergoing career-saving hip resurfacing surgery in January.
The Scot lost in the second round of the men’s doubles at Wimbledon with Pierre-Hugues Herbert and in the third round of mixed doubles with Serena Williams, but said there was still a long way to go before a return to singles competition.
“During a hip resurfacing operation ... a lot of muscles are severed and stitched back up so it takes a lot of time and needs hard physical work to recover properly,” Murray wrote in his column for the BBC.
“That strength is not going to come back in just three or four months, it could take nine or 12 months.
“I need to get those muscles back to a certain level before I can go on a singles court and try to play best of five sets, otherwise I could do damage if the strength isn’t there.”
The three-times Grand Slam winner said he would focus on physical conditioning to improve the strength in his hip over the next four to six weeks.
“I’m happy to be pain free and want to get my hip as good as it can be. Once it is strong again I can get back to competing,” Murray added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments