For anyone who likes or follows tennis, it probably isn’t a surprise that Andy Murray has been dealing with several injuries these last 18 months, but still it definitely came as a shock that he announced his retirement earlier this month.

Since the start of 2017 injuries started to cause him more and more problems. The physical problems definitely held him back. The most serious was a hip injury. The pain has been almost unbearable for the former World No.1. Despite the numerous treatments and surgeries, he has been playing with constant pain that limited his ability to perform at his best.

On January 11th at a press conference, just before the start of the Australian Open, he revealed his decision to retire. It was impossible to hold back the tears.  The pain had simply become too much. It had become hard top train properly and even harder to play. Andy Murray confessed to even struggling at times to tie his shoelaces. He confirmed he would play in Melbourne and said that his wish is to appear at Wimbledon one last time. A perfect send off, in front of his supporters and at the home of tennis.

His hopes to go far in Melbourne were ended in the first round. Roberto Bautista won an enthralling game in 5 sets. It was a good performance by Andy Murray but not the result or goodbye he had wished for.

Andy Murray is not the kind of person who just gives up. Two days ago it was revealed he had hip surgery.  Murray had undergone a new hip resurfacing surgery giving him a metal hip that according to the tennis player would “hopefully be the end of my hip pain“.

Following two days in a London hospital he was already back home with his family starting the recovery process. In the last picture he posted on instagram, Murray seemed happy and was already looking forward to a brighter, injury-free future and competing again at Wimbledon.

by Palma Bruder