Andy Murray has said that he’s no longer worried about his hip following what could be considered a career-saving operation he had in January.
The former world No.1 appeared to be close to calling it quits at the beginning of the year on the back of a first-round Australian Open defeat but made his way back to singles action on the ATP Tour in August after undergoing resurfacing surgery. He would also win his first singles trophy since 2017 by beating Stanislas Wawrinka in Antwerp this past October.
Prior to that victory, the 32-year-old won the Queen’s doubles title in June. But, with just one match played in Britain’s Davis Cup Finals campaign in Spain due to a groin problem, he’s hoping to regain full fitness for the 2020 Australian Open, which he says will be the biggest indicator as to the progress he’s made since the surgery.
“I know I’ll be able to compete in major tournaments without having to worry about it,” he said, per ESPN. Murray was speaking to reporters ahead of the release of a documentary detailing the struggles he’s had with injury over the course of his career as a pro.
“I’ve played three-set matches and some long ones recently, but the best of five is an extra hour, hour and a half on top of that, so I’ll find out in Australia,” he continued. “At the beginning, you’re thinking about [the hip] after every movement you make and that’s not a good way to go into competing, but now I’m not thinking about it when I’m playing.”
Murray would admit that he isn’t expecting victory at the upcoming Grand Slam but will consider a five-set match without feeling any pain in his hip to be a success.
“I was asked what would be success in Australia, and I don’t know how I’ll perform,” he noted. “I’m not expecting to win the tournament, but if I can play a five-set match and get through and have no ill effects on the hip … that’s success.”
The three-time Grand Slam winner is also down to take part in the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia, which starts on January 3. The documentary, branded “Resurfacing,” will launch on Amazon Prime this Friday.
Bet365 has Murray at 25/1 to win the 2020 Australian Open but Novak Djokovic is favoured at 13/8 with Skybet after winning the tournament earlier this year. Also, persons interested in betting could get enhanced odds and price boosts on every sport from freebets.com.
Rafael Nadal, the other finalist in this year’s Open, is 7/2 with Ladbrokes, while Daniil Medvedev is 7/1 with William Hill. Betfair are offering odds of 8/1 on Roger Federer and ATP Finals winner Stefanos Tsitsipas is 11/1 with Betvictor. Fans could also look to Paddy Power for odds, with the bookies handing out 12/1 on Dominic Thiem, 16/1 on Alexander Zverev and 33/1 on Nick Kyrgios.
Where Murray is concerned, it would be great to see him get through the event without complications. We’d like to wish him luck as he heads into another year of playing professionally after nearly seeing his career halted in this one.
