• Bryan says Murray is physically close to his peak form
• US doubles player had identical hip surgery to Murray
Andy Murray has been backed by Bob Bryan, who underwent the same surgery as the former British No 1, to “play for many more years, winning”.
US doubles star Bryan, who made a successful return to tennis after his operation, has said the latest setback that prevented Murray from playing in this Australian Open – bruising to his thigh bone – was unrelated to the “Birmingham method” operation he had last January to fix long-term pain and degradation in his right hip.
“I talked to him last week,” Bryan said on Sunday. “He’s got something unrelated to the hip injury. His hip feels great. All his numbers are off the charts. He tests the speed and the strength.
“He’s right back where he was when he was [world] No 1, which is incredible. That’s good to hear,” Bryan added, but admitted that Murray has “some question marks over this recent injury. He hopes to be back as soon as he can. But he’s still working on it.”
Bryan also said that Murray’s “resurfacing” surgery will require a lot of post-operation work. “You’ve got to do a little extra work, recovery. But it’s a good surgery. It’s come a long way since a lot of our friends got it done 15, 20 years ago. Then, it spelled the end of your career. I think this has given hope to a lot of people.”
The 41-year-old said he was encouraged to believe Murray could make a full recovery after watching the recent film, Resurfacing, which documents his long road back from injury and surgery.
“If anyone saw the documentary, you’ll know how crazy he is with the work. He’s a madman. He’s going to put it in. He’s going to do everything he can. I expect to see him playing for many more years, winning.”
