Andy Murray's first grass-court event of 2024 will be the Surbiton Trophy, the tournament has confirmed.
This is a Challenger 125-level tournament held in the 142-year-old Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club just outside London. It traditionally heralds the start of the grass-court swing in the United Kingdom.
Last year, Murray defeated Jurij Rodionov of Austria 6-3, 6-2 in the final to clinch the first of two ATP Challenger titles on grass. He would win the Nottingham Challenger a week later.
The 2024 Surbiton Trophy will commence on June 3rd and run until the 9th, coinciding with the second week of Roland Garros. By signing up for this tournament, players who lose early at the clay Slam can ramp up their preparation for Wimbledon.
Murray intends to compete at the French Open for the first time since 2020 later this month after recovering from ankle ligament damage. He is considering compatriot Daniel Evans as a partner for the doubles tournament in Paris, where he will also play in singles.
But committing to play in Surbiton indicates he is expecting a short-lived stay at Roland Garros. Murray will likely use the tournament to refine his clay-court game ahead of the Olympics, which will be held at the same venue at the end of July.
The Scot will target one final tilt at the Olympic Games, with a potential third gold medal but only in the doubles event where he has a real chance. This is why he is currently set to play in the Roland Garros doubles tournament.
Murray is in action at this week's Bordeaux Challenger in France, where he will play his first match since rupturing his ankle ligaments at the Miami Open towards the end of March. He has also accepted a wild card at next week's Geneva Open.
The 37-year-old former World No. 1 only recently returned to practice on clay, testing a new Yonex racket. He is expected to retire this summer.