Does Andy Murray have to qualify for the French Open?
Andy Murray would have to rely on a wildcard at the French Open 2021 - but it doesn't seem certain yet.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: May 10, 2021, 03:25 pm
The British Times reports. Murray would have to play through the qualification mills in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in 16 years to get into the main draw. And that as a three-time major champ as well as a former finalist in Roland Garros.
Because the French association has not yet guaranteed Murray, currently world number 123, no wildcard for the main field. "They want to see me play on the pitch," said Murray, who is still unclear about the conclusions of his observation. "I don't know whether that means that I have to win matches."
Murray has apparently decided to get in the best possible shape. Before Paris, he plans to perform in Geneva or Lyon (from May 16 and 17).
Murray in Rome - for training with Djokovic
Murray will also be present at the Masters tournament in Rome, which begins today, but "only" for training. A session with Novak Djokovic should also be planned. Speaking of which: Mark Petchey is also returning to Murray's team as a coach, but only temporarily.
Murray had initially missed the Australian Open this year due to an infection with COVID-19, played his way into the final at the ATP Challenger tournament in Biella / Italy in his delayed start of the season in February. At his appearances in Montpellier and Rotterdam, however, round 1 and round 2 were over. Murray recently had to struggle with groin problems and therefore had to cancel the Masters tournament in Miami.
Just recently , Murray had commented on the problems after his comeback in 2019 when a metal hip was inserted into him. "I've trained very hard for a long time, but the complaints are continuing and when I get on the pitch I can't play at the level I hope for," he said.
Murray had an operation in early 2019 and made his comeback in the summer. After a tournament victory in Antwerp at the end of the year, however, other construction sites were added again and again that had not made permanent play possible so far.