Andy makes a surprise visit as he recovers from injury
LAST year’s Nitto ATP Finals champion Andy Murray made a surprise appearance at the O2 Arena yesterday, as a hitting partner for Austria’s Dominic Thiem.
In what was said to be a late decision, Murray put out the feelers for practice availability and turned up with coach Jamie Delgado to spend nearly two hours on court with the world No 4.
Murray appeared to be moving relatively well, as he did last Tuesday night when playing Roger Federer in a charity exhibition in Glasgow. It is another sign that the management of his hip problem is on schedule to allow him to play in Australia at the start of next year.
The 30-year-old Scot and Novak Djokovic — five-time winner of the Finals, which begin today with Roger Federer playing Jack Sock — contested last year’s final but both ended up curtailing their seasons after Wimbledon.
While Murray is trying to get his movement back to 100 per cent, Andre Agassi has revealed that Djokovic has been wrestling with a fractured elbow which has restricted him from hitting.
Last week Agassi, who is continuing his work as a consultant coach to the Serb, suggested that his player is still awaiting the all-clear from the injury before resuming normal practice.
‘We’ll know a week from now if that’s fully behind him, which is great,’ the American told ESPN. ‘He’s used the time to train — a lot.’