Andy Murray Makes Last-Minute Doubles Entry at Italian Open 2021

After reports that he won’t be competing at the ongoing Italian Open, three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has enlisted his participation at the event, albeit in doubles.

It is now official that Murray has entered the doubles draw in Rome at the last minute and will partner current British No.5 Liam Tarquin Broady.

Andy Murray did a practice hit with Novak Djokovic in Rome

Though the two-time Wimbledon champion has been in the Italian capital, sparring with the likes of World No.10 Diego Schwartzman and reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, reports said he won’t compete at the event.

The reports suggested that he is merely here to test himself against top players in practice and would make his competitive return at Lyon or Geneva next week.

The former British No.1 featured at this year’s Rotterdam Open but skipped some events thereafter as picked up a groin injury. He also had to commit to daddy duty after his wife Kim Sears gave birth to their fourth child, which further delayed his return to the competitive arena.

However, with an eye on a third Wimbledon title, he is now bidding for the return to the Tour.

Run in Rome doubles will tell Murray where his game is at post return

While not featuring in the singles draw, his run in the doubles would give 33-year-old Murray a fair idea of where his game is at vis-à-vis his old rivals and other top stars of today.

While there’s a lot of anticipation among his fans around his comeback in singles, Djokovic had some encouraging words after his sparring sessions with his old rival.

The current World No.1 said that Murray looked well-oiled and in a very fine fettle during the practice hit.

The Serb said it seemed to him that the current World No.123 was feeling good about himself on a tennis court and he said as much to him.

“Considering what he has been through lately, I think it seems like he’s feeling well on the court. That’s what he’s saying and that’s what it appears on the court itself,” Djokovic said.

Read More: “He’s Feeling Well on the Court”: Novak Djokovic Sees Encouraging Signs in Andy Murray After Italian Open 2021 Practice

Murray’s brother Jamie, a doubles specialist partnering Brazilian Bruno Soares, fell to a defeat to Russian Daniil Medvedev and Brazilian Marcelo Demoliner at the third round in Rome on Monday.