Andy Murray targets Grand Slam return at US Open

Amid the backdrop of the Battle of the Brits at the National Tennis Centre Andy Murray has announced his intent to play at the US Open and French Open later this year. The former world number one made his return from a pelvic injury earlier this week in an exhibition match against Liam Broady.

The US Open is set to take place behind closed doors from 31 August in New York, with the French Open expected to begin on 27 September.

A number of players, including former world number one Rafael Nadal, have expressed doubts regarding the viability of the US Open amid the context of the USA’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The United States Tennis Association has suggested that players will face limits on the number of support staff that will be able to attend the Flushing Meadows tournament.

Playing the Grand Slams would be my priority

– Andy Murray

Provided the Grand Slams are “safe,” Murray intends to return to elite-level competition following a prolonged period away from tennis.

“Playing the Grand Slams would be my priority,” said the 33-year-old Scot.

“I think the schedule is tricky and I understand the reason why it is like that.

“I don’t know exactly which tournaments I will and won’t play in terms of the lead up to the Grand Slams.”

The ATP Tour has been suspended since March and is set to resume in August

Prior to the Battle of the Brits, Murray had not played professionally since featuring for Great Britain in the Davis Cup last November.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ATP and WTA Tours have been suspended since March and are set to resume at the start of August.

“My hip has been feeling better for probably the past three or four weeks. It feels better than it did in March,” said Murray in the build-up to the Battle of the Brits.

“Right now, I feel a little bit more confident because I’ve had more training under my belt, more practice. In March time, I’d only been practising for four or five weeks since I’d had the issues.”

I’d probably go with a physio and some coaching could be done remotely

– Andy Murray

Earlier this week, concerns were raised after several players and coaches involved in the Adria Tour tested positive Covid-19. The event’s organisers – figure-headed by world number one Novak Djokovic – have been criticised for not instigating more stringent social distances measures at the tournament.

Murray confirmed that he would still compete at the US Open even if he was only allowed to travel with one members of his team.

“I don’t mind what the situation is, providing it is safe,” Murray added.

“If I was told I could take one person with me, for example, you can make that work. I’d probably go with a physio and some coaching could be done remotely.”