Ex-coach Petchey Shares His Opinion Of Andy Murray’s Return From Surgery

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 14th February 2014

Ex-coach Petchey Shares His Opinion Of Andy Murray's Return From Surgery

epa04072778 Andy Murray of Britain in action against French Edouard Roger-Vasselin during their first round match for the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 12 February 2014. EPA/KOEN SUYK |

Former coach and current British television commentator Mark Petchey has offered some free advice to Andy Murray, his former pupil, saying Murray’s comeback from surgery should not be be compared with the one made by Rafael Nadal last season when the Spaniard returned to dominate and return to world No. 1 after missing seven months of play due to knee problems.

“After spending four months out of the game, recuperating from his operation, he showed he’s a fighter and a winner at the Australian Open, where he made the quarter-finals, and is obviously confident with his condition, given the fact he’s taken up a wildcard invitation in Rotterdam this week,” Petchey wrote for Sky Sport.

“Nadal showed last year that if you get your confidence back then great things can happen. However, people need to be realistic.

“There will always be people comparing his comeback to Nadal’s return last season but you need to keep it in perspective. Rafa came back straight onto his favourite surface of clay and he had a long build-up to the French Open.

“In contrast, Andy picked a harder route – the Australian Open is his toughest surface – but he’ll be happy for the most part from his efforts Down Under. He’s also building up a staggeringly good Davis Cup record.

The good news is that he’s back in shape and in a good place now.”

Petchey said that the Wimbledon champion can cement his return by doing well at the upcoming March Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.

“Andy now has two main career goals – to win the two remaining majors and reach world No. 1,” wrote Petchey. He’ll know he needs to win the upcoming Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami to stand a chance of reaching the summit this year.