Murray takes wild card for Shanghai

SHANGHAI: Scot to step up comeback with return to ATP singles action in Far East

Andy Murray hopes his recovery from a hip operation can continue on an upward trajectory after taking a wild card into next month’s Rolex Shanghai Masters.

The former world No 1 is stepping up his singles comeback following surgery in January and will return to the ATP Tour at the Zhuhai Championships beginning on September 23.

Murray, who returned to singles action in Cincinnati last month, was last in action at a Challenger event in Majorca – his first time playing at that level for 14 years.

It did not end too well, going out in the third round to Matteo Viola, but it was an experience he enjoyed as he came through three matches in four days without any complications.

“The last tournament was at Challenger level which was good for me,” Murray said.

“We had good crowds there and it was different. I haven’t played at that level for 14 or 15 years but I enjoyed it.

“I am just happy to be healthy again. I would like to be playing at a higher level but it was fun for me out there.

“Recovering from matches because I don’t have pain, the preparation is fun. Hopefully it keeps going that way.”

Murray, 32, has committed to playing for four weeks in a row as the China Open in Beijing is sandwiched in between his outings in Zhuhai and Shanghai before returning to Europe to compete in the European Open in Antwerp.

● Former world No 1 Kim Clijsters has announced she will make a second career comeback to tennis at the age of 36.

Clijsters, who won four grand slam titles before her most recent retirement in 2012, will join the WTA Tour when it reaches Australia in January.

Andy Murray is continuing his recovery from hip surgery.