Wimbledon 2017: Does Andy Murray have a chance of defending his crown or will hip injury scupper his chances?

Judy Murray is optimistic her won will overcome his hip injury and erratic run of form, while former British number one Tim Henman backed him to make a strong opening statement

Andy Murray's mother was on edge as the Wimbledon champion prepared to begin the defence of his title on Monday.

Mum Judy Murray was optimistic her son would put his recent hip problem and mixed form to one side and produce his best on Centre Court.

But ahead of the 30-year-old's clash with lucky loser Alexander Bublik, Judy admitted she felt helpless to influence the occasion and could only hope for the best.

Asked if she was excited by the opening day of the championships, Judy Murray said "I'm more edgy actually. I find it all very stressful now.

"Like any parent, you just want things to go right for your kids, even though you know there's nothing you can do about it.

"But seeing the crowd coming in, you sense the excitement of everyone. It's great to be part of it."

Murray declared himself fit on Sunday to play seven matches if required over the fortnight in south-west London.

Murray has been suffering with a hip injury (Rex Features)

But his preparation has been far from ideal, losing his opening match at Queen's Club before having to miss training and pull out of two planned Wimbledon warm-up matches last week.

Murray has also had a tough year as world number one, and his status is coming under threat after just 21 match wins this year, slim pickings by his high standards.


 The World No 1 is the defending champion (AFP/Getty)
 (AFP/Getty Images)

"He's had a tough time this year with illness and injuries so his preparation hasn't been perfect for him," said Judy Murray, who was speaking at an event with HSBC at Wimbledon.

"In sport you have to learn to adapt and take what's thrown at you. But he definitely has been getting better and better each day, and he'll be out to do his best to defend his title.

"You take one match at a time, but he's been playing at Wimbledon since 2002 when he first got into the junior events as a 15-year-old, so he knows exactly what to expect.

"It's a huge occasion for all of the players but I think particularly for the British players. The atmosphere is incredible and the crowds can lift everybody when they get behind you, so I'm sure he's going to go out there and rise to the occasion."

Judy Murray has backed her son to do well (Getty)

Murray, who will be seeking a third Wimbledon title, confirmed on Sunday that he and wife Kim are expecting their second child, and Judy said: "It's lovely news."

Tim Henman backed Murray to make a strong opening statement, and show the hip problem is not troubling him.

The former British number one said: "Obviously we've all been a little bit nervous about that but it's good to hear him talking in positive terms.

"First day, defending champion, opening proceedings on Centre Court - it doesn't get much better than that. The first round's never easy at any tournament but hopefully Andy can get off to a good start, he can play well, his body can feel good and he can build from there."


 Murray won Wimbledon for a second time last summer (Colorsport / Andrew Cowie)
 (Colorsport/Andrew Cowie)

While Murray was putting the final touches to his preparation in a mid-morning practice session on Monday, Johanna Konta was also waiting to make her bow in this year's championships.

British number one and sixth seed Konta faces Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-wei, having recovered from hurting her spine in a fall at Eastbourne on Thursday.

Konta said: "I never was thinking that I wasn't going to (play Wimbledon). I'm definitely recovering really well. I'm taking it a day at a time. I practised on Sunday. I felt good. I'm definitely looking forward to playing my first round."