Hip hip hooray
Andy Murray reveals Wimbledon appearance possible as he announces return to tennis after career-saving hip operation
British hero who still walks with a limp says he intends to compete at the highest level and is now pain free
ANDY MURRAY has confirmed he could play at Wimbledon THIS YEAR but has put his chances at "less than 50 per cent".
The multiple Grand Slam winner plans to continue playing competitive tennis again when he can – now he is clear of hip pain.
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Five weeks ago the 31-year-old underwent a career-saving hip re-surfacing operation in London.
Though he is still limping when he walks, the Scot is free of crutches and is determined to return to the top of the game.
Murray, who has slipped to 218 in the world rankings, said: “I want to continue playing.
“I said that in Australia. The issue is I don’t know if it’s possible.
“I’m a lot happier now than I was 12 months ago and since having the op. I have no pain in the hip.
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“I was in pain for a long time. The rehab has been slow, it’s been going pretty well. I need to wait and see how things progress.
“If it’s possible, I’d love to compete again.”
Murray could potentially follow the example set by doubles specialist Bob Bryan who was back on court just six months after undergoing the same operation.
If so, that would put Murray in contention to play at Wimbledon this summer, although he still thinks it more likely he will be forced to miss the tournament.
Murray told BBC: "The operation went well. I'm feeling good and walking around pain free - which hasn't been the case for pretty much 18 months, two years.
"That was the main reason for having it done. I'm happy with how that's going and day to day things I'm doing are more enjoyable now."
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Tennis ace Andy Murray shows X-ray of hip operation that may show a more than he expected
Tributes flooded in from the world of sport, including all the game’s greats, in honour of a player who had won two Wimbledon singles titles, the US Open crown, two Olympic gold medals, guided Britain to the Davis Cup and reached the summit of the world rankings.
Murray bravely came from two sets down to force a fifth-set decider against Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut before losing 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-2 in the first round.
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Less than a few weeks later, Murray went under the knife in London in an attempt to rid himself of the daily agony.
Candid Murray described the agony as so severe that he would often struggle to put on his socks and shoes.
Castore yesterday announced a long-term official kit partnership with Murray at a press conference at Queen’s club in South West London.
Murray will be heavily involved in the company as a shareholder and in an advisory role on the Castore board.
Murray added: "I want to see what it is I want to do when I finish playing.
"I have other interests as well. If I wanted to go into coaching, commentary, all these sorts of things, I need to decide that more when I finish playing. This is something that, when it was initially discussed, it was quite exciting for me. I certainly would not rule out doing more of it in the future."
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