Sky Sports analyst Mark Petchey admits that tennis superstar Andy Murray will have to make necessary changes going forward when he makes a comeback to tennis. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam Champion and former world No. 1, is facing the most challenging time of his career. The 30-year-old hasn't played since Wimbledon -- where he lost in the quarter-finals to Sam Querrey after being heavily hampered by a hip injury. The Scot initially hoped to return to tennis at some point during the season -- but decided to take a safe approach and sit out the rest of the year and treat his damaged hip.
Murray absolutely needs a fully healthy hip going forward as his game-plan has always included lots of grinds, fight and sacrifice on the court -- a game-plan which requires a top health and an outstanding physical preparation.
Cowan underlined that Murray will now have to do things a ''little bit differently'' as keeping the hip probem under control is a must. per Sky Sports.
Murray due to make crucial decisions
Former tennis player Cowan also opined that Murray doesn't necessarily have to pull off a Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer when it comes to his upcoming scheduling. The greats, Nadal and Federer, finished their respective 2016 campaigns earlier and focused on getting physically and mentally ready for 2017.
Both players captured two Grand Slam titles each this year -- multiple Masters 1000 glories -- and Nadal climbed up to No. 1 in the world while being followed by Federer at No. 2. Just like Murray, 12-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic also hasn't played since Wimbledon. How much will Murray and Djokovic take from the Nadal and Federer example has been often discussed in recent months.
Cowan also added to Sky Sports that Murray has enough ''wise men'' on his team, which will help him make those decisions, before further adding: ''He has to focus on what is right for him - whether that is playing two lead-up tournaments heading into a major and missing hardcourt events to protect his hip and playing more on clay.
He needs to concentrate on what will allow him to compete for however long he has left in tennis at the peak.''
The time has come
Murray is expected to make his long-awaited comeback in the first week of the 2018 season. The three-time Grand Slam champion is set to headline the Brisbane International field, 31 December - 7 January. The 30-year-old has never lost a match in Brisbane, having won it all the event in his previous two appearances in 2012 and 2013.
