Novak Djokovic Issues Positive Update on Andy Murray

Andy Murray’s trip to Rome for the Italian Open turned out to be a fruitful one. After the three-time grand slam champion managed to take part in a few practice sessions with the world’s best players, he also enjoyed some much-needed competitive action in the Doubles category. Initially, Murray was primarily focused on continuing his rehabilitation by just playing practice matches after sustaining a groin injury in Miami. But, once the chance to play in the doubles competition at the Italian Open presented itself, the 33-year-old ended up grasping it with both hands.  

Indeed, Murray teamed up with fellow Brit, Liam Broady but unsurprisingly given the hastily arranged partnership, they only reached the second round before being beaten by Kevin Krawietz and Horia Tecau, 6-3 6-4. Despite the loss, it was a productive exercise and another chance for Murray to prove his fitness to those tasked with handing out wild card entries to the French Open.

The organizers have yet to decide whether the Scot should be given one of these places amid concerns about how he will fare over five sets after a series of injuries. Naturally, at 100/1 in the latest tennis odds to win Roland Garros, no one is expecting Murray to go all the way in Paris. But his presence will do a lot to increase the interest in the tournament which will probably be enough to tip the scales in the world number 123’s favour.

Perhaps the most high-profile endorsement so far for Murray’s French Open case came from a long-time foe on the court but good friend off it. Indeed, Murray was aided by world number one Novak Djokovic whom he had practiced with whilst in Rome. The Serb would go on to say: "I thought he played very well on the court. He moves well considering its clay, which is not the best surface for his hips."

Those are comments that won’t be lost on the powers that be of the French Open. Although, regardless of whether they prove enough to secure Murray a chance to compete on the clay courts of Roland Garros, it is encouraging to hear Djokovic issue such a positive update on Murray’s continued return to fitness. 

There have been many false dawns over the last 24 months for the two-time Wimbledon champion after extensive hip surgery. So, Djokovic hinting at the possibility that the Scot may be at a competitive level in time for Wimbledon, the tournament that the 33-year-old undoubtedly wants to win the most before retiring, is very exciting.

Indeed, there has been a bubbling narrative around a fairy tale ending for Murray on the courts of SW19, and Djokovic’s latest update is sure to increase the decibels of excited murmuring from fans in the UK. To say it would take a herculean effort from Andy Murray to win Wimbledon would be underplaying how much the Scot would, in reality, need to do to win this famous championship for the third time. But that won’t matter to the adoring fans who will passionately cheer his every point on Centre Court, they’re just desperate to see him back there again.