Andy Murray has conceded he is “pretty unlikely” to return to singles action in time for the US Open despite enjoying success once again with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
Williams and Murray swept aside Fabrice Martin and Raquel Atawo in straight sets (7-5, 6-3) to advance to the third round.
The Scot has been using the doubles at SW19 as part of his recovery from hip surgery, but admits the Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows, which starts on 26 August, will come too soon.
“I think it’s pretty unlikely in terms of timings,” Murray said when quizzed on a return in New York. “I spoke to my team and I need to get myself stronger.
“The amount of work I need to do on and off court to get strong enough to play best-of-five is far away still unfortunately.
“I need to look long-term at this, and to give it the best chance. I don’t know exactly, you guys want a timeframe and I can’t give you one because I don’t know how I’m going to be physically.”
Murray added that competitive matches are crucial to his recovery as he bids to work his way back to the top of the singles.
“When I got my hip injury I was No 1 in the world, and then I couldn’t do day to day things,” he revealed. “Tennis became painful, and I wasn’t enjoying going out for a walk, dinner, it was uncomfortable. The most important thing was to be healthy for someone who’s 32.
“Playing matches is always good. Break points I haven’t played that well so far, but I’ll continue to improve with matches. Hopefully stay on the match court.”
Williams and Murray will be back on court on Wednesday when they face No 1 seeds Bruno Soares and Nicole Melichar in the third round.
