Murray Has Not Decided On His Future Action

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 21st May 2013

Murray Has Not Decided On His Future Action

epa03693904 British tennis player Andy Murray returns the ball to French Gilles Simon during their Madrid Open tennis tournament round of 16 match played at the Caja Magica pavilion in Madrid, Spain, 09 May 2013. EPA/Alberto Martin |

Andy Murray is likely to delay his decision on whether to play the French Open until tomorrow (Wednesday) at the earliest and possibly even Friday after being forced to retire mid-match at last week’s Internazionale BNL d’Italia in Rome because a long standing injury in his lower back.

After having had the results from an MRI scan in London on Monday, world no.2 Murray is prepared to wait as long as possible to assess his recovery. And coach Ivan Lendl was preparing to make the trans-Atlantic trip from the United States to Paris.

Lendl was not at either the Mutua Madrid Open or Rome, which he also missed last year. The coach’s manager Jerry Solomon said : ‘”Ivan is currently scheduled to come to Paris. If Andy does withdraw from the French, then we will review plans and revise accordingly.”

Last year Murray revealed that following similar back problems at Roland Garros he underwent needed eight pain-killing injections to be able to be pain-free for Wimbledon, where he reached the final before losing to Roger Federer.

The actual state of Murray’s fitness is one of the most closely guarded secrets in London. Only the 26 year-old Scot, who was forced to make his Roman withdrawal against Spain’s Marcel Granollers on his birthday, and his team know exactly what his MRI scans and medical advice suggest.

Murray’s press agent Matt Gentry of XIX Globosport said: “Andy’ s resting now and speaking to various specialists over the next few days. He will then sit down with the team and envisages making a decision later in the week.”

After pulling out of Rome, Murray said: “I’d be very surprised if I was playing in Paris. I need to make a plan as to what I do. I’ll chat with the guys tonight and make a plan for the next few days, then make a decision on Paris after the next five days.”

He added: “The back has not been perfect for a long period. You always go into matches with little niggles and such, but it’s frustrating when for a long period you’re hurting. “It’s been an issue for a while now and I want to make sure it goes away. It’s not enjoyable when you’re playing in pain.”

And his mother Judy provided more insight when she said: “Obviously the goal is to be in peak condition for Wimbledon. It’s something to do with his back but the scan will let him see what the injury is and what needs to be done. Often you pick up niggles when you change surfaces. Each surface brings its own problems and challenges.

“This back issue has been rumbling for a week or so. It’s not so easy on the clay. There is a lot more twisting and turning. He needs to be cautious and I’m sure Wimbledon will be his priority.”