Andy Murray’s chances of starting Wimbledon on Monday, let alone finishing it on Sunday fortnight, will be determined on the treatment table after a sore hip forced the defending champion to withdraw from a second exhibition match in London.
However, Roger Federer, who has eased into favouritism to win his eighth title at the All England Club ahead of Murray, thinks the world No1 will be there and, if fit, still a threat.
Murray confirmed gathering concern when he announced: “Sadly I won’t be ready to play at the Hurlingham Club. My hip is still sore and I need to rest.”
Federer, who has returned to his dazzling best at 35 after his own fitness misery in 2016, observed, “When you reach the level that Andy has reached, he knows with whatever preparation he’s had, with the mental strength, the fitness and everything, that a lot is possible at Wimbledon for him. He is the reigning champ.”
Speaking in London at the unveiling of the Rod Laver Cup – the trophy at stake in the inaugural Ryder-Cup-style tournament to be held in Prague in September – Federer added: “For him it’s most important to get through the first week. But he’s a great first-week player. He doesn’t mind the slippery grass. He doesn’t mind the bounce of the ball. He might even thrive in these conditions. That’s the key for him now and not to look too far ahead.
“Regardless of how he played in Queen’s [where Murray lost in the first round], how he’s feeling right now, if he’s 100% physically fit on Monday, I think we’ll see a very strong Andy Murray for the championships.”Murray’s coach, Ivan Lendl, said he was “not at all” concerned about the injury and insisted, in contradiction of earlier indications, that Murray would practise at the All England Club if the weather was suitable. The forecast is fine.
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