Injury scare for Murray ahead of Wimbledon
FEDERER TO START 2018 AT HOPMAN CUP IN PERTH
ndy Murray suffered an injury scare ahead of Wimbledon as the world No. 1 pulled out of an exhibition match at the Hurlingham Club due to a sore hip yesterday.
Murray had scheduled two matches at the Aspall Tennis Classic event following his shock first round exit against Australian world No. 90 Jordan Thompson at Queen’s Club last week.
The 30-year-old Scot had been due to face Lucas Pouille, but his management announced yesterday that he would not take to the court because his hip was “a bit sore”.
The decision was described as a precaution, with Murray still planning to play the second match against an as-yet-unnamed opponent in west London on Friday.
But it is not the preparation Murray would have wanted as the three-time Grand Slam champion prepares to defend his title at Wimbledon, which gets under way on Monday.
Murray’s difficult season has included a host of fitness problems, including shingles, an elbow injury and two bouts of flu.
Swiss great Roger Federer will use the Hopman Cup in Perth as preparation for the defence of his Australian Open title in 2018, mirroring his successful early season build-up this year.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion made his long-awaited comeback after six months out with a knee injury at the mixed teams tournament in January, and it served him well.
Absolutely amazing
Against the odds, he went on to defeat old rival Rafael Nadal in a thrilling five-set final at the Australian Open, and followed it up with titles at Miami, Indian Wells and on grass at Halle two days ago.
Federer, who will again team up with compatriot Belinda Bencic, attributed his Australian Open success in part to having such a good time in Perth. “I’m very happy to be coming back [to the Hopman Cup] because I had the best time on and off the court,” said the world No. 5 in a statement issued by tournament organisers.
“The fans were absolutely amazing, there were I think about 6,000 people at my first practice which I couldn’t believe, it was almost surreal walking into the stadium.”
Outside the court, the Federer family visited tourist attractions and joined surf lifesavers for an impromptu beach tennis match at Cottesloe Beach.
“Off-court we had a tonne of activities. My family and I had the best time,” he said.
“Plus I played some really good tennis and I can’t wait to play again in Perth.”
Bencic was also excited about returning. “The Hopman Cup was amazing for me earlier this year,” she said.