Out of Miami, Andy Murray hoped for consistency to elevate comeback

Out of the Miami Open after incurring a groin injury in practice, Andy Murray is aiming for consistency as the first step in returning to the top level of the game.

Ranked No. 119 and initially awarded a main draw wild card into the Miami Open, Murray announced his withdrawal from the Masters event he won twice—most recently in in 2013.

"I don't know where it came from and why it happened," Murray told press from Miami. "I woke up at about 2:30 [a.m.], felt like my groin was a bit sore. When I got up at six in the morning to go to the toilet, I was in a lot of pain walking.

"I have no idea what I did, it's one of those freak things."

The 33-year-old, who has won three Grand Slams, has just one win in two ATP appearances so far this season—though he has also reached an ATP Challenger final in Biella, Italy. That's something he wants to improve on.

"I expect a lot better than what I produced in the three tournaments that I played so far. Certainly more consistency," Murray said in an interview with Amazon Video.

The former No. 1 underwent hip surgery in 2019.

"I know that I’m still capable of playing at the highest level," he said. "I need weeks and months of training and practicing and matches and good health, but I do feel like it's possible.

“I’m sure some people will think I’m delusional and that my best days are behind me and everything—which may be the case. But I still feel I can compete with the best players in the biggest tournaments."

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Though he has been pleased with some of his play this season, he wants the ability to produce it for longer.

"I need to do that for an hour-and-a-half or two hours—rather than just 20-30 minutes here and there," said Murray.

That has been difficult during his frequently-interrupted comeback. He has experienced repeated pelvic injuries and had to withdraw from the Australian Open when he tested positive for coronavirus prior to the event. Murray also withdrew from the ATP event in Dubai when his wife, Kim, gave birth to their fourth child two weeks ago.