Andy Murray on Sunday pronounced himself ready to go as he prepared to resume his singles career with a first-round test at the ATP Cincinnati Masters.
“I’m feeling good, I’ve had three of four good practice sessions,” said Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who has tumbled to 325th in the world. “I have zero pain.
“I’m not expecting to move as well as I used to. There is still some improvement to be made, though it will take time. I started training singles a few weeks ago, it’s the best to train with players at the highest level who hit the ball big.”
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Murray last played singles in the Australian Open first round, losing in pain over five sets to Roberto Bautista-Agut eight months ago.
In a tearful post-match analysis, Murray confessed that his career might be over. That was far from the case, with a hip resurfacing a few weeks later giving him fresh hope.
Murray began playing doubles at Queen’s Club in June, winning that grass court title with Feliciano Lopez.
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Murray credits doubles king Bob Bryan with inspiring him to make a return after hip surgery.
The American underwent the same resurfacing procedure as Murray in mid-2018 and made a solid return to competition.