Sunburn Murray’s biggest worry

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:58

The world number four has shown signs of discomfort in his opening two outings at the Hopman Cup in Perth and attended the post-match press conference after Great Britain’s opening win over Kazakhstan on Monday with a large ice pack on his hip.

The Scot said, however, that was just a precaution, and said: “My back is on fire. I practised with my shirt off on Tuesday and I got so, so burnt. It didn’t happen in Miami (where he spent the past three weeks training) – the sun is a little bit stronger over here.”

Murray did admit he had pulled up slightly sore after the opening tie against Kazakhstan, but said it was just a side-effect of getting used to the hardcourts in Australia.

“I feel better than I did after the match on Monday,” said Murray after he and playing partner Laura Robson beat Germany 2-1 on Wednesday to move into the box seat to reach Saturday’s final as the only unbeaten team in Group B.

“I guess it is just getting used to playing matches again and practising everyday. This surface is pretty tough on the joints.

“Usually it takes a couple of matches until you start to feel okay the following day.”

He added: “I had a problem with my hips in Valencia at end of the year. It’s stiff and I get some swelling in the hips. Some days it is worse than others so I just need to make sure I stretch a lot.

“I feel okay.”

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