Andy Murray says he has ‘no limitations’ after taking Shanghai Masters wild card

Scot says he is feeling healthier with every match as he prepares for four tournaments in as many weeks

Andy Murray is stepping up his comeback (EPA)

Andy Murray hopes his recovery from a hip operation can continue on an upward trajectory after taking a wild card spot at next month’s Shanghai Masters.

The former world No 1 underwent surgery in January and is now stepping up his singles comeback, with appearances at the Zhuhai Championships, China Open and European Open all scheduled around his Shanghai campaign.

Murray, who returned to singles action in Cincinnati last month, most recently played at a Challenger event in Mallorca – his first time playing at that level for 14 years.

While it produced better results than his Cincinnati and Winston-Salem first-round exits, the Scot still suffered defeat earlier than hoped, losing in the third round. Nevertheless, Murray said he enjoyed the experience as he came through three matches in four days without any complications.

“The last tournament was at Challenger level, which was good for me,” the three-time Grand Slam champion said.

“We had good crowds there and it was different. I haven’t played at that level for 14 or 15 years, but I enjoyed it.

“I am just happy to be healthy again. I would like to be playing at a higher level, but it was fun for me out there.

“Recovering from matches because I don’t have pain, the preparation is fun. Hopefully it keeps going that way.”

Murray has committed to playing for four weeks in a row as the China Open in Beijing is sandwiched in between his outings in Zhuhai and Shanghai before he returns to Europe to compete in Antwerp for the European Open.

Andy Murray in action at the Rafa Nadal Sports Centre (PA)

While he is now able to play pain-free, the 32-year-old is still short of speed around the court, something he expects will return over the next few months.

“Now I don’t have any limitations on what I can’t do,” Murray said at an event promoting a daily liquid supplement developed specifically for him.

“I am certainly still a little bit slow in terms of where I would like to get to. I’m thinking that in the next four or five months that is going to get better.

“Each week I have felt better, but performances haven’t necessarily shown that in terms of results. But I have been feeling physically better.”