Andy Murray has provided an update following his hip surgery. The former British and World No. 1 says he is “pain free” after the hip surgery. It is unlikely that he will play at Wimbledon this year.
The Brit has not ruled out returning to the game he loves, however. In an interview with BBC Sports editor Dan Roan, Murray commented:
“The rehab is slow but going well.”
“I want to continue playing, I said that in Australia. The issue is I don’t know whether it’s possible.”
Having the hip resurfacing in January meant it was possible that the former Wimbledon champion would not be able to play professional tennis again. Murray said at the time that it was the only option for him if he wanted to return to the game.
Updating on the actual surgery itself and the current situation, the Brit stated the operation had gone well.
More importantly Murray is pain free, he added. “I’m feeling good and walking around pain free – which hasn’t been the case for pretty much 18 months, two years.
“The reason for having the surgery was to improve all the day-to-day things and my quality of life.
“I wasn’t enjoying tennis, I wasn’t enjoying going out for walks and doing basic things – it was painful tying my laces. I wanted to get rid of that.”
No Pressure to Return
The Brit also feels that he is under no pressure to return to tennis. Winning 45 titles, including three Slams and two Olympic Gold Medals, is a stunning achievement considering the players he was (or is that is?) surrounded by.
As Murray is not allowed to do any high impact movement until at least four months post surgery, there will be no real news about any return until then. Even then, it is uncertain if the Brit could return to top level tennis.
Top 10 is unlikely. However, the Brit believes that top 100 or top 50 could be achievable. It will all depend on the hip. Murray is certainly happy whichever way this plays out, stating in the interview:
“I just want the hip to be as good as it can be and if it allows me to play, that’s brilliant.
“If not, I’m not in pain anymore and I’m happy with that.”
Wimbledon 2019?
Murray was asked about the possibility of competing at this years Wimbledon Championships. The Brit answered that singles is unlikely with around a 50% chance. However, he did not rule out the possibility of doubles.
Following in the footsteps of Bob Bryan, Andy could team up with his older brother Jamie and play.
“Bob Bryan had the same operation and was competing after five and a half months. But there is a vast difference between singles and doubles, in terms of the physicality and the loads you put through the body.
“I think it is possible to return to singles, but I don’t want to say it is highly likely because it hasn’t been done before. I can’t look at another tennis player and say that guy has done it.
“The surgeons said I can try but couldn’t give me any guarantees.”
It looks increasingly like Murray could indeed return to the game he loves. Which would please his fans no end.
