Murray admits to rustiness ahead of ATP return

Briton hopes to hit his stride before the US Open

LONDON:

Andy Murray says he's feeling off the pace for his return to the ATP Tour this weekend but is hoping to hit his stride ahead of the US Open, which begins on Aug. 31.

Murray, 33, will face Frances Tiafoe in the opening round of the Western & Southern Open, which began this week in New York and serves as a warm-up event for players ahead of the US Open.

The Briton, a three-time tennis Grand Slam winner, has not played competitively since November due to hip problems but took part in exhibition events recently with the professional circuit shut.

"I'm looking forward to be back competing. I've really enjoyed the last few days just practising with top players," he said in comments on the ATP website.

"I've been practising with Dominic Thiem, Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov. Those guys don't hold back. It's a bit of a different speed to what I've been used to. I felt a little off the pace but I'm feeling quite good on court in terms of my hip.

"That was really all I wanted. I wanted to get to the US Open feeling pretty pain-free so that I could enjoy playing in a Grand Slam again."

The US Open will take place without fans to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, and Murray is anticipating a few upsets.

"It's just going to be different playing in front of no fans. I kind of felt that a little bit yesterday. It's nice walking through to practice not getting stopped, but then the atmosphere is just not the same without the people," he said.