Andy Murray training on clay ahead of potential Grand Slam return after saying he hopes to play French Open
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Published 29/04/2024 at 20:33 GMT
Will Andy Murray play the 2024 French Open? The three-time Grand Slam champion has been out of action since late March due to an ankle injury. Murray did not undergo surgery and could now be back on the tour soon. He has been practising on clay with coach Jonny O’Mara which could suggest an aim to play at the French Open, which starts in Paris on May 26.
Murray v Machac - Miami Open highlights
Andy Murray has raised hopes that he could return to court in time for the French Open.
The former world No. 1 has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury in defeat to Tomas Machac in the last 32 of the Miami Open in late March.
Murray said the injury would keep him out for “an extended period” and there were fears that it could even jeopardise his grass-court season.
But after not undergoing surgery, Murray may be back sooner than expected.
His coach Jonny O’Mara posted a video on social media of Murray on court and practising on clay.
That Murray is training on clay could be an indicator that he is going to try and be fit for the French Open, which starts on May 26.
Murray has only played the French Open once since 2020 and has largely cut down on his clay schedule in recent years to focus on preparing for the grass swing.
But he has said this is likely to be his last year on tour and he would like to play in Paris one more time before he retires.
“Last few years I’ve tried to give myself maybe better preparation for the grass season, but that also doesn’t guarantee that you’re going to play really well on the grass,” he said earlier this year.
“I’ve had experiences through my career where I didn’t play the French Open in 2013 and I won Wimbledon. I also played the French Open and did really well in 2016 [when he also won the title at SW19].
“I don’t think it makes a huge difference if you get an extra week’s practice or so on the grass. So yeah, I would like to play one more time.”
The Olympic tennis event this summer is also held at Roland-Garros, the venue of the French Open.
Whether Murray would play any events ahead of the French Open remains to be seen.
The ATP 1000 Italian Open starts on May 8 and there are two ATP 250 tournaments in the week before the French Open.
If Murray does play the French Open he will be unseeded, as he has dropped down to No. 57 in the world rankings.
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