MUZZA KO A BIG PUZZLE FOR ROGER

ROGER FEDERER has questioned why Andy Murray returned to tennis only to pull out of Wimbledon.

The Scot, who had hip surgery in January, played three competitive matches at Queen’s Club and Eastbourne after 11 months out.

But after entering the draw for Wimbledon, Murray (below) withdrew on Sunday evening, stating he knew he could not win the title. The former world No.1, who will now fall out of the world’s top 800, practised on hard courts owned by the All England Club in nearby Raynes Park yesterday and aims to play later this month in Washington.

But Federer, who had two injury lay-offs in 2016 because of a knee problem, said: “If he does return the most important thing is that he’s fully fit. You don’t forget how to play tennis. It’s like riding a bike or brushing your teeth.

“But you wonder: why did he then play Queen’s and Eastbourne? Only he and his team know.

“I’ve realised that if you do come back too soon, it’s always a problem. I’m hopeful he’s going to feel better and better as time goes by. If that means he comes back in a month, that’s great. If he comes back in a year, so be it.”

Murray’s coach Jamie Delgado said: “He just needs to get his body stronger and more comfortable to play in these matches.”