"It's time to give my body the rest and recovery it needs. I'll come back when I'm ready"
Wednesday 8 November 2017 11:38, UK
Andy Murray has vowed to return from injury when he's "100 per cent fit" but has targeted the Brisbane International in the New Year as his potential comeback.
The British former world No 1 has not played since hobbling out of Wimbledon to Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals with a hip injury.
But Murray is hopeful he will be able to take part in the Brisbane International, which kicks off next season's action on December 31, before the start of the Australian Open.
I probably made a bit of a mistake trying to get ready for the US Open but it was the last major of the year and I wanted to give it a go
When asked about his chances of making Brisbane, he said: "I hope I'm there. Things have been going pretty well so far in the rehab, but you just never know. You take each week as it comes.
"I've had setbacks and things can go quite quickly as well. I've been training for a few weeks now. Some days I've felt great and some days not so good.
"But I will come back when I'm ready and when I'm 100 per cent fit. I probably made a bit of a mistake trying to get ready for the US Open but it was the last major of the year and I wanted to give it a go.
"And now it's time to give my body the rest and recovery it needs. I'll come back when I'm ready.
"I really struggling by end of Wimbledon. Hip surgery wasn't recommended though, which was great. That is a positive from this break - lots of work in the gym in order to build up my strength and endurance."
Murray, who has dropped down to world No 16 in the latest ATP rankings, is continuing his rehabilitation by limbering up for an exhibition match against Roger Federer at the Andy Murray Live in Glasgow on Tuesday evening.
The multiple Grand Slam winner, who will be competing at the ATP Finals in London later this month, offered Murray some words of comfort and strongly advised the Scot "not to hurry back".
"Just get healthy and take your time," said world No 2 Federer. "When you're back you need to be at 100 per cent. If you don't it will cause problems. Don't hurry back, you've got lots of years left.
"Nice to see you back on the court though, I've missed you, nice to have you back."
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The season-ending extravaganza ATP Finals at London's O2 in November ends another memorable year which will be covered via our website sky.mnosports.com/tennis with live blogs and updates as the season reaches its climax.
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