By Andy Murray is reportedly planning to play men’s doubles at the French Open with fellow Brit Dan Evans later this month. The decision will increase Murray’s workload ahead of Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, despite the fact he is still working his way back from an ankle ligament injury.
Murray has not played competitively since damaging two ankle ligaments in a Miami Open defeat to Tomas Machas on March 24. The veteran was set for an ‘extended period’ out of action but the decision not to undergo surgery has fast-tracked the recovery process.
He was spotted hitting on the practice court last month while gearing up for what may be the final summer of his professional career. The French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics could be the perfect sign-off for Murray after an injury-hit few years.
Top singles players are automatically entered into the French Open main draw, but The i claim that Murray has also entered the men’s doubles picture, alongside Evans, with an eye on preparing for the Paris Olympics.
Murray partnering with doubles specialist Joe Salisbury is set to maximise his chances of clinching a fourth Olympic medal in July. And competing with Evans in high-level matches at Roland Garros should stand him in good stead before heading to Paris.
Evans could also benefit from the preparation ahead of his anticipated Olympic partnership with Neal Skupski. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray has only once competed at the French Open, either in singles or doubles, since undergoing hip surgery five years ago.
The decision to partake in men’s doubles is an eye-opening one given the proximity to Wimbledon and the Olympics, which both take place later in the summer, and the need for a currently injured Murray to manage his workload.
Earlier this year, 36-year-old Murray said he would only travel to Paris if he felt there was a realistic possibility of success. He told The Times: “I would love the chance to play in another Olympics but also genuinely only if I felt like there was a chance of winning a medal.
“I’m also very conscious as well that because of how amazing my experiences at the Olympics have been, I would want to be there by right and not just take one of the other guys’ spots because it is a brilliant opportunity. We have top doubles players and also Jack [Draper], Cam [Norrie] and Dan [Evans] in singles as well.
“I don’t want to be in a position where I’m getting selected to play there just because it might be the last tournament that I play. That’s why there is a bit of uncertainty about the summer, because I’m not sure what will happen with that.”
