Andy Murray will play at the 2024 Roland Garros, even though nobody thought it was possible just a month ago.
Murray last played in Paris in 2020 when he faced Stan Wawrinka in the opening round and lost in three sets. Oddly enough, his return to Paris this year will happen against Warwinka as well and he will want to avenge that loss.
Many are shocked he's even playing at the event because the ankle injury in Miami made it seem pretty unlikely that he would even attempt to play. Many assumed he would just prepare for grass, but he's in the French capital, once again proving his character, and he's glad to be there as well.
"Initially I was expecting to miss the French and not play any clay at all. So to be here and feeling pretty healthy, and the ankle being good, is a huge bonus."
Murray admitted that rehabilitation wasn't easy, but he worked really hard. There was just a spark of motivation, so he spent hours every day trying to heal his ankle as best as possible, and it worked.
He was able to nurse it back to health fairly quickly, which allowed him to even play at the Geneva Open ahead of Roland Garros.
"I was surprised how I was during the rehab – I felt really really motivated. I worked extremely hard every single day with my team and physio, there were no breaks or holidays to feel sorry for myself. I just did the work."
The draw could have been better for him because he's facing a former champion who is the better player on clay, at least recently, but the Brit is not expecting to go far.
He already has an ATP Challenger tournament in Surbiton lined up for next week. It's more about experiencing the event one final time before he retires.
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