After a narrow first-round loss at the US Open, Andy Murray will return to action on the ATP Challenger Tour, with the Briton having accepted a wildcard to the ATP Challenger event in Rennes, France. Murray, a double Olympic gold medallist in singles and a three-time Grand Slam champion, accepted the wildcard into the event. The 34-year-old wants to capitalise on the good form at the US Open where he took third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas to five sets in the first round, staying with the third seed all match.
The Brit, is trying to make his way back up the rankings. Murray on the comeback trail is a sight to behold. He has has been beset by injuries and announced his retirement in tears at the 2019 Australian Open. But Murray then underwent a hip resurfacing operation and was able to play without pain. The 34 year old started enjoying tennis again and although his ranking slipped, not many want to face him in early rounds.
Despite the limitations imposed by his age and continued physical issues, Murray can trouble any seed when his game is on. The level he showed at the US Open should stand Murray in good stead for the end of this season.
The Challenger event started in Rennes in 2006 and with the inaugural tournament won by home favourite Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. But Murray will be the first Grand Slam champion to ever play the challenger event in Rennes. Other names scheduled to play along the Brit are Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon and Lucas Pouille. The lower tier Challenger events offer much lower prize money and ranking points than those offered at ATP and Grand Slam level, but just enjoying tennis again and being able to even play the sport is big for Murray.
It is also probably true that at this stage in his career to get ranking points Murray needs to concentrate on lower events. If he can win or make the finals of Challenger Tour events, his ranking will take care of itself whilst the match practice will also surely be valuable. With Murray currently ranked 112th in the world, when the entry list was published, the Briton looks likely to be seeded. When the draw is released, Murray should have a better idea of his chances of going all the way and collecting the trophy.
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