Andy Murray made his return to grass tennis with a win over Benoit Paire at the Queens Club Championships in two straight sets.
Murray, who has suffered terrible luck since his return to tennis following major hip surgery, made a victorious return in front of a home crowd winning 6-3, 6-2.
The double Wimbledon Champion was prevented from returning at the Australian Open this year due to a positive coronavirus test, and then suffered a freak groin injury just before the Miami Open.
The 34-year-old then decided to skip clay season to focus his efforts on grass and he made a strong start at the Queens Club, a tournament he has won five times in his career.
After the match, Murray was asked how his body was feeling after his first competitive game in a long time.
“The body is old but I did quite well today in terms of my movement,’ said Murray.
“It’s my first match on grass in three years and I’ve only played 3 or 4 practice sets in the build up to this so I didn’t know how exactly how I was gonna play or how I was going to feel so for a first match it was good.”
The former world number one was then asked how it feels to be back playing competitively and a visibly emotional Murray teared up when replying and then apologised for doing so.
“I love playing tennis (pause). Sorry. Obviously competing is why you put in the hard work. The last few years I’ve not got to do that as much as I would have liked so its just great that I’m out here and able to compete again.”
The interviewer then wrongly informed Murray that he would be playing again the following day against top seed Matteo Berrettini, for which he looked shocked.
“Am I playing tomorrow?” questioned Murray. “I was hoping for a day off!
“Its a great test for me. Berrettini is obviously a top player, and he had a strong French Open. I’ll have to play one level up if I want to do well there.”
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