"I’m really motivated": Murray training to get in top shape

The 33-year-old former No. 1 has played only on and off since having hip surgery in 2018, with just four events and a 3-4 record this season. He decided not to play again this season following his first-round defeat at Cologne, where he had some pelvic injury problems.

Though saying he had put on some extra weight during the tour hiatus, Murray is now looking to be fully fit for the Australian Open.

"I started practicing two weeks ago," he told British press this week. "I’ve been doing tons of work in the gym, trying to build towards beating all of my personal bests, which has been quite exciting for me. I’m really motivated. The only thing that I maybe won’t get to the same level is the speed. But I’m hoping that by improving my strength and my power that that will help me."

Murray plans to go to Australia the first week players are allowed into the country. It has still not been decided whether players will have to do two weeks of quarantining before being allowed to train or compete, and what warmup events will be played.

Like other players, Murray expressed some concern about having to potentially go from two weeks of inactivity to playing a Grand Slam, saying that with players arriving from cold weather, it "just increases the risk of injuries" and "the quality of tennis is not going to be that high."

But he added he would do what was required.

"It just makes it a little bit tougher," he said.

Despite having done relatively little this season, Murray scored a Top-10 win against Alexander Zverev in Cincinnati, and won a five-setter in the first round of the US Open. He also won the 2019 title in Antwerp.

"I haven’t forgotten how to play tennis. I know I will perform and win big matches if I can get properly fit and healthy," he said.

Currently ranked No. 122, Murray could require a wildcard for the Australian Open.