Even as Boris Becker was lamenting Andy Murray's absence from the world stage on Wednesday, an update arrived from the Murray camp. The British No1 plans to start hitting balls again this month, with a view to a comeback in May or June.
Becker made his comments while attending the Laureus Awards in Monaco, where he presented Roger Federer with the trophy for sportsman of the year.
"Tennis needs him; tennis is not the same without Andy Murray," said Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion. "He got this problem and he stopped when he was the No1 player in the world. It's the last thing you want to happen.
"It's a serious injury. I'm not his doctor, I can't give you details of what the surgery was or how many surgeries he had, but what I hear is he is contemplating coming back on the grass because, obviously, it's a little easier for the hip."
The grass-court season, which starts with Queen's on June 18, has been Murray's stated target since he had an arthroscopy on his right hip on January 8.
According to sources in his management group, 77, he has been in the gym at the All England Club for some weeks, mixing sessions on the versaclimber (a machine that simulates climbing a ladder) with the exercise bike and free weights. Pilates has been used to maintain flexibility and stability...