Andy Murray (pictured) lost to journeyman Australian Jordan Thompson in the first round of Queen’s in London © AFP/File / GLYN KIRK
LONDON, United Kingdom, Jun 30 – Defending Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said he hopes to be fighting fit for his first round match on Monday after he negotiated a 90-minute practice session at the All England Club on Friday.
The 30-year-old Scot — who is top seed for the first time in his career at Wimbledon — is battling a niggling hip problem which forced him to withdraw from playing a couple of exhibition matches this week.
However, while some in the media who watched the session said he was limping and grimacing, two-time Wimbledon champion Murray himself said nothing had changed regarding his participation at the Grand Slam.
“I hope so, that’s the plan,” said Murray who is drawn against Russian-born Kazakh lucky loser Alexander Bublik in the first round on Monday.
“I’m practising again later. I just had a light practice this morning to see how I feel and I’ll practise again later.”
Murray’s coach Ivan Lendl also struck a defiant note as to both his preparation — his only competitive outing saw him beaten by journeyman Australian Jordan Thompson in the first round of Queen’s last week — and his fitness to defend the title.
“Unlike before Paris, he is hitting the ball really well. Practice has gone well,” said Lendl.
