By Chris Oddo | Wednesday August 23, 2017
With four days left until main draw action begins, Andy Murray's health is still in question.
Photo Source: Reuters
It’s been a while since Andy Murray has contested a tour-level match, and an even longer while since we have seen the three-time major champion in the bristling form that took him to the top of the ATP rankings for a 41-week reign (he was supplanted at No.1 this week by Rafael Nadal), so it’s only natural that there are a lot of question marks surrounding Murray’s name with just four days remaining before main draw action begins at the 2017 U.S. Open.
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“We are all wondering the same question,” four-time U.S. Open John McEnroe told reporters during a conference call to promote ESPN’s coverage of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. “You know, is it going to help him, mentally, maybe. Is it going to hurt him physically? Maybe. The fact that he rested his hip, is that good? Probably. The fact that he didn’t play any matches, probably not the best thing. But Roger didn’t play for six months, so he’s obviously banking on something along those lines.”
Murray hasn’t just had to deal with the current hip problem this season. He’s also had shingles, a right elbow tear that sabotaged his clay season and even a few bouts with the flu.
It’s a wonder that the Scotsman has found the time to go 25-10 with a title (Dubai) on the season, and reach at least the second week of all three majors he has played.
Already practicing at New York since Sunday, it seems as if Murray—at the very least—will give it a go.
But practicing is one thing. Engaging with—and raging against—top pros on a Grand Slam stage in a best-of-five format is entirely another.
Is Murray's health significantly improved from when we saw last saw him limping around Centre Court during a five-set loss to Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarterfinals? Or is he still somewhat ailing but unwilling to pass up a chance at competing at a major that does not feature Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori in the main draw (sounds tempting, doesn't it?).
At this point, it’s difficult to say. There isn't much coming from Murray's camp, and the biggest news to break on Murray this week was a piece in Elle Magazine about the Scot carrying the feminism torch for the ATP Tour.
And so, we wait, and wonder.
“I don’t know if his hip [is healed]”, said McEnroe. “From what I understand, I’m not even sure he’s 100 percent healthy yet, and he may have something needed to be done after the tournament. I’m not sure. So this could be like, ‘look, I’ve got this great chance to play at the Open and do well, so I’m going to take my chances.’ I’m not really sure. I haven’t seen him yet.”