Andy Murray Withdraws from Washington, Legg Mason Classic 2007

Just over five weeks ago, on June 24th, we were eagerly awaiting Andy Murray's first round match against Nicolas Lapentti at Wimbledon 2007.

With only 24 hours to go, Murray pulled out of the tournament to allow additional rehabilitation time for this wrist injury. He set his sights for a US tournament a couple of weeks later which, of course, never transpired.

Now, just two days before the start of the Legg Mason Classic 2007, the tournament in which he finished runner-up in 2006, Murray has again withdrawn to allow further rehabilitation time.

I had high hopes that this week would see the comeback match, especially after having stated on the official website, 11 days ago, that the doctors had given Murray the all-clear to "step things up".

If the doctors are happy that the injury has healed, this suggests to me that Murray still isn't 100% free of pain, perhaps mainly during recovery.

Murray is right to be cautious, but this means that all predictions are now off. Any statement to the effect that he will be making his comeback at any tournament can safely be assumed to be speculative until we see Murray walk out on to the court to face an opponent.

The waiting continues...

Sources:
AndyMurray.com - Andy's Blog
BBC SPORT Tennis Murray puts off planned comeback

63 Days Since Andy Murray's Last Tennis Match

UPDATE: Andy Murray has confirmed that his come-back tournament will be the Legg Mason Classic in Washington. You can read his message at:

http://andymurray.com/about/news/19-07/andys-blog/

But man, it feels a lot longer than that.

Since that fateful day in Hamburg, Murray has dropped to 14th in the world rankings and missed two Grand Slams in succession.

Before Wimbledon, Murray was aiming to play in Los Angeles, but has since pulled out to allow more recovery time.

I can't find any official word, but the Legg Mason Classic in Washington, USA, looks like a possibility for Murray's comeback match. In 2006, Murray reached the final in Washington, before losing to Arnaud Clement.

This means ranking points to defend. But it also means it's a tournament that Murray should feel comfortable and confident in.

Whenever Murray returns there will be a lot of fans waiting with bated breath to see if Murray comes out rusty or rested and raring to go.

I'm thinking it'll be the latter.