Andy Murray Says He Is A ‘Big Injury’ Away From Retirement

Andy Murray has admitted he is a “big injury” away from retirement. The former World No. 1, however, feels he is currently in good shape.

Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, had hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019.

The 35-year-old British player has reached two finals this year but has not won a title. Murray’s last title came three years ago in Antwerp and his last major victory was in 2016 when he won the Wimbledon.

This year has not been a great one for Murray.

“I wasn’t happy with how last season went,” he said, noting that a training session with coach Ivan Lendl in Florida has convinced him he is fit enough to compete at the top level.

“If my body is in good shape and I’m still able to compete consistently, I’ll keep playing. But I can’t look so far in advance with the age I’m at and with the issues I’ve had. If I was to have a big injury, I probably wouldn’t try to come back from that,” Murray said in an interview.

Murray played 45 singles matches in 2022, winning 26. He reached finals in Stuttgart and Sydney and clinched an end-of-year ATP ranking of 49. His best run in a Grand Slam event this year was reaching the third round of the US Open, which he lost in four sets to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.

The two-time Olympic Gold medalist will be part of the Scotland team taking on England in the Battle of the Brits in Aberdeen. Murray will face Jack Draper on Wednesday and Dan Evans on Thursday, before teaming up with brother Jamie – who arranged the event – to play Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski.

Following this, Murray will turn his focus to next season as he is aiming for improved performances at the Grand Slams in 2023, which will start with the Australian Open in January. Having played five finals in Melbourne, Murray is yet to win the calendar-opener major event.

“I spent three weeks in Florida, getting my body right and getting some work done on my game and it went really well. I’m certainly in better shape than I was. A lot of work was done in the gym, trying to build up my endurance and my stamina a bit and I’m hoping that’s going to help me next year,” added Murray.

Australian Open 2023 is scheduled to be played from Jan. 16 to 29 at Melbourne Park. Rafael Nadal won the 2022 edition by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final.