Murray changing style to protect hip

Andy Murray is trying to marry a successful grand slam comeback at the US Open with changing his game style to better protect his troublesome hip.

The 31-year-old played his first slam match in nearly 14 months on Monday at Flushing Meadows, defeating Australia’s James Duckworth in four sets.

Afterwards, Murray detailed the gruelling rehab programme lasting up to seven hours a day that he is putting himself through in an attempt to return to the top of the game.

The Scot has always been able to fall back on his superhuman defensive skills but, with question marks about his movement long term, finding a more offensive style is surely necessary.

Murray said: “There are things that I want to focus on longer-term that are going to be beneficial for my game, like a game style that I would like to be playing.

“It’s quite clear the way I’m trying to play. But then also you go into the match with tactics and a game plan to try and make it as difficult for your opponent as possible.

“So it’s kind of a combination of the two. There are certain things I want to be doing on the match court every match that’s going to hopefully give me a better chance to get back to where I want to get to.”

Murray improved through the match against Duckworth after a slow start and, although there were signs of a limp from fairly early on, he handled the physical challenge surprisingly well.