Rome Masters tennis - Andy Murray enjoys winning return with Liam Broady in Italian Open doubles

ByMichael Hincks

Published 12/05/2021 at 19:45 GMT

Andy Murray and Liam Broady beat Max Purcell and Luke Saville 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 10-6 in the Italian Open men’s doubles. Murray had not played since early March due to a groin injury, but is stepping up his return to the singles with a shot at the doubles in Rome. The British pair play Kevin Krawietz and Horia Tecau on Thursday.

Andy Murray made a winning return at the Italian Open when teaming up with Liam Broady to beat Australians Max Purcell and Luke Saville.

The former world No 1 last played in early March and spent two months sidelined with a groin injury that ruled him out of the Miami Open.

Murray practised with Novak Djokovic in Rome on Monday, and on Wednesday the Briton came through a tight match with Broady.

Tennis

Murray steps up rehab with return to court in Wimbledon fitness race

4 hours ago

The pair battled back to win 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 10-6 against Purcell and Saville in the first round.

Eighth seed pairing Kevin Krawietz and Horia Tecau will be the next obstacle for Murray and Broady in the round of 16 on Thursday.

Watch Murray and Djokovic train together in Rome

Murray is set to return to singles action next week when playing in either Lyon or Geneva.

• 'Just like old times' - Murray and Djokovic have fun-filled practice
• French Open 2021 - How to watch Roland Garros and more key info
• Spectators confirmed for French Open - but not for most night sessions

Murray has been confirmed for Queen’s in June, and could be in line for a French Open wildcard, with the Grand Slam at Roland Garros starting on May 30.

"Andy is trying his best to come back," said French Open tournament director Guy Forget.

Liam Broady and Andy Murray beat Max Purcell and Luke Saville

Image credit: Getty Images

His knowledge and experience is so big that if he feels physically fit and he can afford to play a few matches before Roland Garros, I believe, and it is only my guess, is that he can beat probably half of the people in the main draw.

"Andy knows he is not going to pretend to play tournaments if he does not feel he can compete with the best guys.

"Andy also knows he can get a wildcard or even qualify and then play Nadal first round.

'Great to practise with Andy Murray and hopefully he's back soon' - Djokovic

"He just loves the game and wants to go out to perform and win matches, so I believe if he asks for one, it is because he believes he can perform and win a few matches."

- - -

The French Open begins on May 30 and you can watch every ball live on eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app.

Tennis

Murray will not have surgery on ankle injury, return date unknown

15/04/2024 at 20:14

Tennis

‘Unbelievable fighter’ Murray can ‘go out on top’ at Olympics - Wilander

05/04/2024 at 13:00

ATP Monte Carlo

When is the Monte Carlo Masters? Are Djokovic and Nadal playing?

03/04/2024 at 09:07