MURRAY COMES OUT SWINGING IN FITNESS TEST TENNIS
ANDY MURRAY went through his first public practice session in nearly seven weeks yesterday as he hit in the winter sunshine of Abu Dhabi. The 30-year-old Scot’s intentions for the next month should become clearer tonight when the draw is made for next week’s Brisbane International tournament, where he has long been due to make his comeback. His management say that he is still planning to play. Murray flew into the Emirate yesterday morning and after a quick turnaround used the practice facilities at the Mubadala exhibition tournament. He hit for 90 minutes with coach Jamie Delgado and witnesses said that it was at varying levels of intensity as the player and his team weigh up whether his right hip can withstand a tournament. If his name appears in the draw it would have to be assumed he will play, following events at the US Open, where he pulled out after the draw had been made — something that was frowned upon by some other players.