Andy Murray has struggled over the past few years with a number of injury issues, mostly in the hip which led to him having surgery.
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British tennis star Andy Murray doesn’t think Wimbledon 2021 will be his final Grand Slam at home. Murray has struggled over the past few years with a number of injury issues, mostly in the hip. Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Scotsman stated clearly he intends to continue barring more injury issues. “I don’t want it to be my last Wimbledon. That’s not my plan. I’m not going into Wimbledon thinking I’m saying goodbye. I want to keep going and I want to keep playing, but obviously I don’t know.
“If I got a significant injury or whatever then that would obviously change things but I guess that’s the same with most players when they get into their mid-30s. I’m still planning on playing for as long as I can so I hope that’s not the case.”
Murray last played in his home Grand Slam in 2017. He was world number 1 at the time and even the defending champion. Yet by the time he reached Wimbledon, his issues had taken a toll.
He made it to the quarterfinals, where he played Sam Querrey and lost in five sets. Nevertheless, it was a close effort from a Murray whose hip was giving him plenty of grief.
Murray admitted that he felt relief at losing that match, which was a new feeling for him. However, he also believes getting that close to the semis itself was a big achievement.
“I think I would have beaten Querrey in that match but with each minute that passed, I was feeling worse. When I got off the court, usually I’m devastated after losing at Wimbledon but I was like ‘so happy that’s over.’
“I just wasn’t enjoying it and just with each set, each match, it was getting worse and worse. That was one of my better achievements to make the quarters that year, getting close to the semis.”
Murray also believes he needs more in-game practice, as his movement during matches has not been compromised by his hip surgery.
“I think I can do a lot better than what I did in that match with the two matches under my belt. Hopefully four or five high-quality practices this week.”
“I’m not saying I’ll get to exactly where I want to be but I think I can get myself a bit closer.”
Murray also believes he holds a certain advantage over some of the younger tennis players on the circuit now. The reason? He’s more comfortable playing on grass.
“I don’t think there’s that many guys that are unbelievably comfortable on grass so that plays in my favour. Obviously a lot of the younger guys didn’t get the opportunity to play on it last year.
“I practiced with someone like (Jannik) Sinner and he played four matches on grass in his life because he didn’t play juniors and he didn’t play last year so that’s something that will work in my favour hopefully.”
He also stated that he retains the competitive edge to compete with the newer generation.
“I’m still extremely competitive. Still go in and want to work hard and train hard every day to try and improve and get better and give myself the chance to play at the highest level.”
