Why Italian Open and French Open could be key for Andy Murray's hopes of Wimbledon seeding spot

ByJames Walker-Roberts

Published 10/05/2023 at 09:02 GMT

Andy Murray has a chance to improve his ranking further at the Italian Open and French Open - and maybe secure a seeded spot in time for Wimbledon. The three-time Grand Slam champion moved up to No. 42 in the world after winning a Challenger event in Aix-en-Provence. The next four weeks of the clay season could be important in Murray's hopes of getting further up the rankings.

Of the 46 titles he has won in his career to date, the second-tier ATP Challenger event won in Aix-en-Provence last weekend is unlikely to rank near the top for Andy Murray in terms of prestige.

But in terms of how the remainder of his 2023 season pans out, it could be an absolutely vital one.

Murray appeared to be in a tough spot before playing the tournament, unsure whether to continue to commit to playing on clay following first-round losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, and seemingly growing more frustrated in every match at not producing the same level he did during an encouraging start to the year.

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Had Murray lost early in Aix-en-Provence it does not seem unthinkable that he might have said ‘that’s that’ for his 2023 clay season.

Instead he now has a far more positive outlook.

After coming through a strong draw, which included beating Australian Open semi-finalist Tommy Paul in the final, Murray is up to No. 42 in the rankings, the highest he has been since May 2019.

It was Murray’s first title at any level since Antwerp in 2019, and his first clay title since he won the Masters 1000 event in Rome in 2016.

It gives Murray momentum heading into the two biggest events left on the clay schedule: the Italian Open and French Open.

"This last year, 18 months has been a bit of struggle with my game," Murray said after winning the title in France.

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"But (my team) have been there supporting me and working with me to try and get better. We keep going from here."

Murray will look to extend his winning run in Rome where he starts against home favourite Fabio Fognini. Murray has lost two of his last three meetings against Fognini, including when they met most recently in Shanghai in 2019. The winner of the match would face 30th seed Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round.

While it’s a tricky draw, Murray might fancy his chances of winning at least two matches in Rome, which could provide another boost to his ranking. Murray may even be seeded for the French Open, although to do that he would likely need to at least make the quarter-finals of the Italian Open, which he has only ever done three times across 12 career appearances.

The longer-term goal remains being seeded for Wimbledon.

There are around six weeks before the seeds will be fixed for Wimbledon on June 26. Murray only needs to climb 10 places by then to ensure himself a seeded spot, but he does have grass points to defend in Stuttgart (150) and Surbiton (45).

Queen’s could be an important tournament for Murray to try to gain points as he didn’t play last year, but the next four weeks could be just as significant.

Murray hasn’t played the French Open since 2020 and hasn’t made it past the first round since 2017, when he made the semi-finals. As a Grand Slam, there are more ranking points on offer than at other tournaments and if Murray could win a few matches it would aid his quest to get into the top 32.

All roads for Murray right now lead to Wimbledon.

Will Andy Murray be seeded for Wimbledon?

Image credit: Getty Images

Whether it’s getting a seeded spot, or entering the grass season with momentum, or being in good physical shape, Murray will be hoping that everything goes as planned ahead of his home Grand Slam. Last year Murray suffered an abdominal injury that impacted his preparation and he lost in the second round to John Isner.

A year on he has said that he still believes he can compete for a third Wimbledon title.

“I have ambitions of competing for Wimbledon titles and that sort of stuff,” he said in Madrid. “I know sitting here today that probably doesn't sound realistic but I do believe that's a possibility.”

The next four weeks could be important in boosting belief that Murray can contend again at SW19.

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