Andy Murray reunites with brother Jamie for doubles victory
The 32-year-old Scotsman feared he could be forced into retirement before the operation.
Washington: Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray moved closer to a singles comeback six months after hip surgery, joining brother Jamie for a doubles victory Wednesday at the ATP Washington Open.
The Murrays, partnered for the first time since the 2016 Rio Olympics, downed Frenchmen Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-4, 6-7 (7/9), 10-5 to reach the last eight at the US Open tune-up event.
“The level of tennis I thought was really good,” Andy Murray said. “It felt like there were some good points and quick reactions out there.”
Andy Murray is practicing singles and playing doubles as the former world number one, now ranked 222, continues his fightback from right hip surgery in January.
The 32-year-old Scotsman feared he could be forced into retirement before the operation. He returned to the court in June but only in doubles while he rehabilitates.
“I have no pain. It’s not restricting me in any of the shots that I’m hitting. I’m still maybe a little bit slow. I’m hoping that’s something that comes back with time,” Murray said.
The British duo trailed 5-2 in the decisive super-tiebreaker but steamrolled back by taking the last eight points, with Jamie Murray’s service winner securing the victory. It was Andy who began the rally with a backhand winner and added backhand volley and drop volley winners on the two penultimate points.