Novak’s willing a Murray return
NOVAK DJOKOVIC is willing Andy Murray to recover from injury in time for Wimbledon.
Murray’s prospects of making it to SW19 by July 2 look slim due to difficulties following his hip surgery in January.
The Scot (inset) is due to return in Rosmalen in Holland in 10 days. But his team say that will only happen if the 30-year-old is fully fit, and that looks doubtful.
Djokovic reached the third round of the French Open yesterday with a 7-6 6-4 6-4 win over Spaniard Jaume Munar to continue his comeback after an elbow injury.
The Serb has plenty of sympathy for Murray’s plight.
He said: “I can only imagine how difficult it is for him to deal with the injury. That’s something that I can relate to.
“I have had quite a similar situation, although his injury obviously takes more time.
“Hopefully we can see him back playing on from IAIN STEWART in Paris grass, because that’s where he wants to play.”
Djokovic said he has struggled for motivation following his injury.
The former world No.1 has slipped to 22nd in the rankings.
He said: “At the moment, I’m not playing at the level I wish to, but I understand that it is a process that takes time.
“I never thought I was going to be challenged in this way mentally.” Djokovic, 31, yesterday faced a player 10 years his junior but ground down Munar to take his second match without dropping a set and will next face another Spaniard, Roberto Bautista Agut. BRITAIN’S Cameron Norrie fought back after losing the first two sets 6-2 6-4 against Frenchman Lucas Pouille. Norrie upped his game against the 15th seed to take the third set 7-5 before the fading light ended play.