Andy Murray’s ex-coach opens up on call that sparked comeback before Wimbledon – EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive: Andy Murray’s former coach Alex Corretja has revealed how he spoke to the Scot after his devastating hip surgery to discuss his recovery and eventual comeback.

Andy Murray returns to Wimbledon again with the faint hope of adding to his two SW19 titles after his last success on home turf seven years ago, something his former coach Alex Corretja felt was possible but also “difficult” after his injury nightmare.

The former world No 1 has fought tirelessly to make a comeback from a hip injury that threatened his career on several occasions, and his ex-trainer has told of how a phone call with Murray convinced him there was a chance he could play at the highest level again.

Corretja worked with Murray in the golden years of his career between 2008 and 2011, reaching the Australian Open final in 2011, three Wimbledon semi-finals and securing last-four appearances at the French Open and US Open too. That set him well on his way to his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2012, before he won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016.

Murray faces his compatriot Ryan Peniston, who reached the third round at Wimbledon last year, in the first round of the main draw with optimism that he can go far in the tournament.

But Corretja reflected on the moment when there was serious doubt about if Murray would actually play tennis ever again after undergoing hip surgery.

“When he had his surgery, I phoned him and felt like he was going to give himself a chance to try again,” Corretja told Express Sport at ASICS’ House of Tennis. “And at that moment, I saw in the news and thought it would be difficult.

“But I felt like he didn’t close the door, and because he did that, I felt he could play good tennis. I wasn’t sure how far he could go, but I was sure he could be competitive again. I was a little more worried when he played five sets because of his recovery, but I think he’s going to be ready.”

Murray’s movement used to be the biggest factor of his game, with the Scot perhaps only second to Novak Djokovic in terms of getting around the court and returning shots. But Corretja says he has adapted after his surgery, becoming more aggressive in his play and improving some aspects of his game – his serve in particular – to make him more effective in finishing matches earlier.