Murray hitting balls again following hip surgery, Nadal back on court

Andy Murray is hitting tennis balls again, another signal he is aiming for a return to tour following hip surgery.

The 31-year-old was photographed on social media following a practice session against a wall, described as his first since getting a metal implant in his hip two months ago.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has indicated he would like to play Wimbledon, but will not rush into a comeback.

Speaking to British press a few weeks ago at Queen's Club, Murray said he was "pain-free" following the surgery and would like to keep playing, but added, "I don't feel like I have to get back to playing Wimbledon, or playing tennis again."

Murray has also been announced as the official starter to open the London Marathon.

Also this week, Rafael Nadal was photographed back practicing at the Nadal academy at Mallorca, hitting on the clay courts. The 32-year-old Spaniard, who injured his knee at Indian Wells, is next scheduled to play the ATP Masters at Monte Carlo.

And he should be joined at the event by Novak Djokovic, who has added the event to his official schedule.

The Serb appears to be looking for more competitive play following a lackluster performance at Indian Wells, his first event since winning the Australian Open, then also at Miami.

The pair would be the top two seeds at Monte Carlo.