Fitness focus as Murray back in action
Andy Murray’s battle back to fitness gathered pace this week as the Dunblane ace was announced to be competing at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Bordeaux this week.
The former world number one has been sidelined for seven weeks by the serious ankle ligament damage he suffered during a third-round loss to Tomas Machac at the Miami Open in March.
It was initially feared that the injury could derail what’s believed to be the double Wimbledon champs final season on the tour.
We reported last week how Murray,37, had been given a wildcard entry to next week’s Geneva Open in Switzerland.
But, with the French Open only a fortnight away, Murray has opted for more clay-court practice and will also play next week in the second-tier tournament in France.
Murray’s last match on clay also came in Bordeaux a year ago, when he was heavily beaten by Stan Wawrinka before deciding not to play at Roland Garros.
This year he has his sights set on a final appearance in the year’s second grand slam, where he will also enter the doubles alongside Davis Cup team-mate Dan Evans.
Murray is hoping to be back on the Parisian clay in the summer for a final tilt at another Olympic medal, with his best chance likely to be in doubles.
Wawrinka this week cast doubt o Murray’s plans to retire, saying:“i don’t think he will stop.
“When he announced he would quit there were a lot of emotions after losing a match but I’m not sure he will stop this summer.
“He’s passionate about the game and, as long as he stays passionate and competitive, he will keep going.”