Filed under: Tennis
Andy Murray has confirmed he will warm up for Wimbledon by taking part in the Aegon Championships at Queen's - and will test his damaged ankle in the doubles later today.The Scot turned his right ankle during the French Open last week but recovered to make the semi-finals at Roland Garros. He did contemplate resting it before having another crack at that elusive first Grand Slam title but has decided it is now fit for purpose.
Murray, the number two seed this week in the absence of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who are both protecting injuries, practised for two hours on Monday and was set to partner brother Jamie against Xavier Malisse and Britain's Ken Skupski.
"It's definitely better than it was," said Murray, who loves Queen's because he can go home and sleep in his own bed. "It was a bit sore when it happened but it should be okay."
All the seeds received first-round byes in the singles draw so, ankle permitting, Murray already knows he will face Malisse, the world No.40, on Wednesday should the Belgian dispose of Matthias Bachinger of Germany today.
Murray was beaten in the last four in Paris by Rafael Nadal, who went on to win his sixth French Open title on Sunday and is also preparing for Wimbledon at Queen's.
"The only negative about doing well at the French Open is less time to prepare for grass but I'd rather be in this position," Murray added. "This is one of the nicest tournaments to play. I really enjoy it. I have played well here in the past and it's the perfect preparation for Wimbledon."
Federer. the losing finalist in the French Open, hadn't planned to play at Queen's anyway, having opted to take part in the Gerry Weber Open in Germany.
But he has pulled out of that - to the annoyance of the tournament organisers.
"I am stunned," moaned tournament director Ralf Weber. "Our plans for the past year have been nearly exclusively with Roger appearing. He never gave us any doubts that he had health problems. I clearly expressed my disappointment to his management."
Djokovic, whose 43-game winning streak had been ended by Federer in Paris, had been scheduled to star at Queen's but pulled out with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams has confirmed she expects to return to action at the Aegon International event in Eastbourne next week.
The American, 29, has not played since beating Vera Zvonareva in last year's Wimbledon final - her fourth success in that competition.
A cut foot was the initial problem but she eventually needed emergency treatment for a blood clot in her lung.
Her sister Venus, who has not played since suffering an abdominal injury in the Australian Open in January, and French Open champion Li Na are also set to feature.
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