Andy Murray issues latest update in hip injury recovery and reveals plan to run in London Marathon

Murray had surgery in February on his injured hip and also outlined why he has been inspired to run the London Marathon in the future

Andy Murray has described his recovery from potentially career-ending hip surgery as “really good” as he targets a comeback on the court later this year, but the former Wimbledon champion did stress that he is “quite a long way” from stepping up his training.

Murray has not played tennis since the Australian Open first round in January, with the 31-year-old choosing to have hip resurfacing surgery in order to address a long-standing and debilitating injury.

Murray confirmed earlier this year that if his body allows him to he will attempt a competitive return, but the smiling Scot revealed on Sunday that he is “pain-free” and living a happy life, which was the priority aim of the operation to improve his standard of everyday living.

“It’s really good actually,” Murray told the BBC as he prepared to start the London Marathon. “No pain anymore and (I’m) just a bit weak from where I got cut on the side of my leg for the operation, but I’m doing well, I’m happy, pain-free and enjoying my life.

“I’ve been hitting a few balls from a stationary position. I’m still quite a long way from testing it properly running around a court but I just have to see what happens. I don’t feel any pressure that I have to come back and play again but if my body feels good and I’m pain-free then I’ll give it a go.”

While tennis will be the main aim for his return to competitive action, Murray did also outline his intention to compete in the London Marathon in the future. Standing alongside his former trainer Amelie Mauresmo - who not only started the wheelchair and women’s elite race but is competing in the mass event herself - Murray revealed how he became inspired by the event a few years ago while watching wife Kim compete.

“I’m not a good runner, I don’t particularly enjoy it,” Murray added. “But I came to watch my wife do it five or six years ago and I loved it. The atmosphere was amazing, I really enjoy walking around and seeing it at all the different points and I’ll definitely give it a go one day - but not at the sort of times that Amelie is doing!

“That was the thing when I came to watch, you don’t see it often. The only other time I’ve really seen that is at the Olympics when everyone comes together supporting the same cause. Everyone’s so positive. At the beginning I just wanted to spot my wife and then at the end you’re just standing there cheering everyone that comes past. It’s inspiring and it’s amazing what everyone is doing today.”