LIMPING ANDY BURSTS AGUT
ANDY MURRAY raised fresh fitness fears ahead of the Australian Open after he was beaten 6-2 by Roberto Bautista Agut in a one-set exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
The Scot – who is working his way back from hip problems – stepped in after Novak Djokovic’s own Melbourne hopes were plunged into doubt when he was forced to withdraw having experienced more pain in his elbow.
Like Murray, Djokovic has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon and had been due to make his comeback with a semi-final against world No.20 Bautista Agut at the Mubadala World Championship.
Murray has given little away either about the nature of his hip injury or his recovery but delaying his departure to Australia, having originally intended to travel before Christmas, did not send a positive message.
The 30-year-old had intended to practise with the players competing in the tournament in Abu Dhabi, which is staging the pre-season event, but he answered the organisers’ call following Djokovic’s withdrawal.
But from the start it was clear Murray was well short of his best.
The limp that was such a talking point at Wimbledon was still in evidence and his movement was hampered when dragged out wide on his forehand side. A helpful net cord allowed Murray to get on the board in the fifth game when he had faced points for 5-0, and he did improve in the latter stages.
The Dunblane ace said: “I felt better as it went on. I was a bit slow at the start.
“Roberto is one of the best players in the world and when you haven’t competed at this level for a while it takes a long time to get back.”