Andy Murray: Roger Federer backing competitive return ahead of Queen’s injury return
ROGER FEDERER has backed Andy Murray to return in style because of his winning mentality and insists it is “exciting” for the Scot to be back.
Andy Murray opens up about 'tough' times away from tennis
Murray has been sidelined with a hip injury since Wimbledon in July 2017 but is set to make his competitive return today at the Queen’s Club Championships in London against Nick Kyrgios.
Federer will meanwhile be in action in Halle against Aljaz Bedene with the 20-time Grand Slam winner looking to retain his title from last year and add to last week’s Stuttgart Open success going into this year’s Wimbledon.
Murray is one of just three others players - alongside the other ‘Big Four’ members in Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal - to win Wimbledon since Federer claimed the first of his eight titles in 2003.
While the length of Murray’s absence and his No.156-ranking makes it difficult to see him winning a third SW19 title this year, Federer insists the 31-year-old’s return must mean he is confident of being successful because he is a winner.
Federer said of Murray’s long-awaited return to court: “I’m very excited for Andy and I’m happy he stayed in the draw because you never know, maybe he pulls out Friday before the draw comes out.
While the length of Murray’s absence and his No.156-ranking makes it difficult to see him winning a third SW19 title this year, Federer insists the 31-year-old’s return must mean he is confident of being successful because he is a winner.
I’m sure he believes deep down that something is possible, especially on the grass, especially back home in Britain.
Federer said of Murray’s long-awaited return to court: “I’m very excited for Andy and I’m happy he stayed in the draw because you never know, maybe he pulls out Friday before the draw comes out.
“So, it’s great to see him back on a match court. I’ll try to catch some of the highlights anyhow.
“You know especially having played that match with him in Glasgow for the foundation and him also coming to Zurich. It is a big deal for both of us I believe.
“You know you wish your fellow rival well. What’s important on a comeback?
“I think just enjoy yourself, play in the moments, don’t put too much pressure on yourself and you want to be, you know, try to win.
“At the end of the day when you’re coming back you try to win. And Andy is the winner type.
“So, I’m sure he believes deep down that something is possible, especially on the grass, especially back home in Britain.
“So, it’s exciting for the Tour to see Andy back.”
Murray and Federer could meet as early as the first round in Wimbledon with two-time champion Murray to miss out on seeding as a result of his tumble down the ATP standings.