‘Life-changing’ surgery gives Murray cause for optimism

LONDON: Andy Murray has described an operation on his ailing hip as “life-changing” as he prepares to make his return to competitive tennis.

A three-time Grand Slam winner, Murray has entered the doubles with Feliciano Lopez at Queen’s Club in London this week for what will be his first taste of action since going under the knife in January.

“I don’t know how I’m going to feel when I get back on the court, but I feel lucky, I feel relaxed, I didn’t expect to be in this position,” said Murray, who hinted the surgery could force him to retire at the Australian Open earlier this year.

“I didn’t know how I was going to feel if I went and had the operation but it’s been brilliant, completely life-changing for me from where I was.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out there but I don’t know what to expect. I’m not putting any expectations on myself because just being out on a tennis court again, and being comfortable and pain free, is enough.

“I’ll enjoy competing. I enjoyed practising, hitting tennis balls, doing all the things I couldn’t do even a few months ago, so we’ll see what happens.”