“Will Be a Good Test”: Andy Murray Aims Big For 2021 Season

Former British Number One Andy Murray has confirmed participation at the Delray Beach tennis event next year. The Scot, who has been on the mend from an injury that resurfaced after a hip surgery, missed the bulk of the tennis action this year due to recovery and rehabilitation.

A three-time Grand Slam champion, Murray did make his Major return at the US Open but couldn’t progress beyond the second round.

In a chat with tennis broadcaster and writer Ravi Ubha, Murray confirmed that he will return to action at the beachside event. The Scot said he was excited to be back in play and the event will be a good test of where he currently stands in men’s tennis.

“I am looking forward to starting the 2021 season in Delray Beach. This event will be a good test for me and I’m excited to be back playing on the Tour,” Murray said.

The Scot will be one of 26 players to have confirmed participation in the tournament. He is also the 11th former Number 1-ranked player to be playing the event. The Briton is in the illustrious company of Andre Agassi, Jimmy Conors, Jim Courier, Lleyton Hewitt, Ivan Lendl, Carlos Moya, Pat Rafter, Marcelo Rios, Andy Roddick, and Mats Wilander.

An injury ended Murray’s season prematurely

Murray’s injury absence from the game led more grist to the chatter around his future as a professional tennis player. However, he effectively put all retirement talk to bed after announcing that he had begun his pre-season training.

The Scot revealed concerns around his fitness to reporters in 2019, saying that his hip issue had impaired his mobility on the court.

He went for surgery shortly after and was away from the game a good bit of time. The Scot marked a winning return to action, winning the European Open in Antwerp.

After his tearful press conference where he revealed his injury, it was speculated that the Wimbledon Championship this year could be his swansong event. However, the Grand Slam was canceled amid concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic.