Andy: I’ve had hip op so Sophia will see me play again
IT’S fair to say that for Andy Murray, tennis is a family affair.
As a child he was coached by his mother Judy and he has won trophies alongside his doubles champion brother Jamie.
And it appears his attitude is no different when it comes to his own children after the 30-year-old disclosed that it was the thought of his two-yearold daughter Sophia one day watching him in action that spurred him into having painful hip surgery.
The twice Wimbledon champion underwent an operation on his right hip in Melbourne yesterday.
It comes a week after injury saw him pull out of the Brisbane International tennis tournament, sparking speculation his career could be over.
It is hoped the surgical intervention could see him back playing prior to this summer’s Wimbledon.
Speaking after the procedure, Murray, who is married to Kim, 30, said: ‘I have spoken to my wife a little bit about it.
‘One of the things that I would like to do is play until my eldest daughter is able to watch me and have a small understanding of what it is I’ve done for my living.
‘That’s one of the things that’s motivated me to keep playing. That would be cool if she can come and watch me hit some balls or practise, just to see what it is I do.’
He added: ‘I like seeing a lot of the other [players’] kids when they are on the tour with their parents, who get to do a bit of travelling with them when they’re at an age when they understand a little bit more about what it is that they’re doing.
‘Now I’ve had surgery and stuff, that’s something I’m looking forward to in the future.’
It follows a statement released on Instagram by the former World Number One in which he professed his ‘love’ for the game and announced he had undergone six months of physiotherapy to no avail.
The sportsman, whose second daughter was born in November, described the procedure, performed by leading hip arthroscopy surgeon Dr
‘I’m not finished playing yet’
John O’Donnell as having gone ‘very well’.
He stated that he could be back hitting balls within two months, adding: ‘My plan is to be back playing around the grasscourt season – I’m not going to rush anything.’
Murray also revealed that he has been consulting with Dr O’Donnell since last summer. He added: ‘When we discussed it with him, it was, “Let’s try to do as little as possible with the highest chance of success” but with the knowledge that when he goes in there if there’s things he sees that need to be done he sorts them.’
Murray, who also underwent minor groin surgery on December 18, will not be able to fly home from Australia for at least another week but the tennis ace said he is optimistic he will once again be able to compete at a top level.
He posted a photo from his hospital bedside with the caption: ‘A little post op photo. I’m feeling really positive and looking forward to starting rehab. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and support the last few days… It really helps.’
Speaking afterwards he explained: ‘I’m very optimistic [about the future] because, having spoken to the surgeon, he was very happy about how it went.
‘Moving forward I’ll be playing a reduced schedule then focusing on trying to win major events rather than trying to achieve ranking goals.
‘I’ve been in pain walking since before Wimbledon. It’s tiring mentally when every single time you are walking you are feeling your hip, from the first minute you wake up and start walking to when you lie down at night.
‘The rest of my body feels fantastic. I think I’m going to be back on the court competing at the highest level again. I’m not finished playing yet.’