Andy Murray's injury rehabilitation going 'much better than expected' as he targets comeback 'very soon'

The surprise update on the former world No 1’s fitness came in the small hours of Saturday morning in an impromptu Twitter Q&A

Andy Murray says his rehabilitation is going well (Getty)

Andy Murray says his rehabilitation following surgery is proceeding “much better than I expected” and is hoping to be back on court “very soon”.

The surprise update on the former world No 1’s fitness came in the small hours of Saturday morning as he went on Twitter to say he was happy to answer questions as he dealt with jetlag following his return from Australia.

Asked how his rehabilitation was going following the operation, which he underwent 12 days ago, Murray said: “Really well. Much better than I expected so far.” He said he hoped to be back on court “soon – very soon.”

The Scot said that his passion for tennis was “much higher” than it had been when he was top of the world rankings. “I can tell you sitting on a couch right now whilst the Australian Open is on that I would give back being number 1 in the world just to be back playing on the court again,” he said.

Murray revealed that he had “retired from doubles for the foreseeable future” and said that fewer mandatory tournaments would help to cut down the number of injuries suffered by players.

He said he preferred no tie-breaks in the deciding sets at Grand Slam tournaments and was non-committal when asked whether men’s singles matches at the majors should be reduced from best-of-five-sets to best-of-three.

“If it's what the people want then worth a try,” Murray tweeted. “I don't mind either way. Best of three easier on the body, would help longevity. Best of five tests mental and physical side more.”

Murray said he expected to coach an individual player one day and gave a measured reply when asked which was his favourite Grand Slam tournament. “That’s like having to choose between your four best friends to be best man at your wedding,” he said. “Love them all but I've known Wimbledon the longest.”

Asked to say a few words about Rafael Nadal, Murray said: “Sleeveless is better.” Asked to name a young female player with a great future, he replied: “Ash Barty.”

Murray said he preferred blue courts to green and named his Olympic final against Juan Martin del Potro in 2016 and his five-set defeat to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the 2012 Australian Open as the toughest matches he had played.

Murray is missing the Australian Open as he bids to recover from an ongoing hip injury (Getty)

Would he like to be a commentator? “I’m not sure,” Murray said. “Sometimes I think I'd enjoy it. Sometimes not. Guess I’d have to try it to find out.”

Murray described Vegemite as “rancid” and when asked if he was eating junk food while injured, replied: “Pancakes and Nutella for breakfast, but I'm good the rest of the day.” Asked if he would ever consider going vegan, Murray said: “When I finish playing I'll try it for sure.”

The Scot also revealed that he did not own any bitcoin, preferred quick to cryptic crosswords and when asked what languages he had learned said he had “almost learned English” .

Asked if his mother Judy was “as cool as she seems on Twitter”, Murray replied: “Cool?!?! You've got to be kidding me.”