Wilander brands Andy Murray's comeback as "a huge success'

Former Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander believes that regardless of Andy Murray's results this season, the Brit has already surpassed expectations.

Murray underwent his second hip surgery in 2019, and returned to the ATP circuit after considering retirement. The three-time Grand Slam champion has been steadily rising up the ATP rankings ever since, with impressive victories over Hubert Hurkacz, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner towards the end of last season.

The former World No.1 reached his first final since 2019 last week when he reached the final in Sydney, falling to Aslan Karatsev. Nonetheless, Wilander believes that Murray's comeback has been a successful one.

"Andy Murray’s comeback is a big success to me," Wilander said in an interview with Eurosport's The Cube. “The fact he is back physically, being able to play for over four hours is incredible.

“The fact he has had surgeries and he went down and he played in the lowest level of professional tennis to gain some match experience and some confidence. To then come back and play in front of thousands of people with the pressure that that brings and seem to enjoy it this way.

“The comeback is a huge success, it doesn’t matter when he ends in terms of rankings.”

Murray defeated 23rd seed Nikoloz Basilashvili in a five-set thriller in his first round match at the Australian Open, and next faces Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel.

"Andy’s next opponent, Taro Daniel, is a good tennis player, he is solid, but it is going to be up to Murray’s physical recovery I believe because who knows how he is going to recover," added Wilander.

“I am sure he is going to do everything he can. Emotionally, I am sure he will be charged up for this match.

“But suddenly the tables are turned and he is the favorite and he has to pressure him because he has the chance to get to the third round of a Grand Slam. This is a massive match for Andy Murray.”