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Andy Murray, the former world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters. He will be making his return to the Masters even for the first time since 2017.
His participation will add to the glitz and glamour of the competition following numerous pullouts. Rafael Nadal was the first to withdraw from the clay court event with Carlos Alcaraz following suit.
In addition to the duo, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Pablo Carreno Busta and Denis Shapovalov will also be missing the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
Back on clay after Sunshine Double
While still not at his desirable best, the Scotsman will be a force to reckon with. He made it to the Round of 32 at Indian Wells but bowed out in Miami Open at the first hurdle.
Murray blamed the conditions for his ousting at the hands of Dusan Lajovic. He has had time to rethink his plans and will be gunning for improved results in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the first clay court event of the 2023 season.
Murray’s participation in the tournament is a testament to his resilience and determination to make a comeback to the top of the tennis world. He has had a tough few years, plagued by injuries and surgeries that have kept him away from the game for long periods.
However, the 35-year-old has refused to give up on his tennis career and has been working hard to regain his form and fitness. His recent performances on the court have shown that he cannot be ignored at the highest level.
Murray was in Spain as part of a combined camp, training and vacationing with his team and family. It was uncertain that he will be back on the clay circuit and surprised fans with his decision via an Instagram post.
“Just finished a great training week/holiday with my team and family at @puenteromanoresort in Marbella. What a great place 😍 thanks so much for looking after us. Now on way to @rolexmontecarlomasters for the first time since 2017! Wish me luck😅,” Murray captioned his Instagram post.
Murray’s reign at Monte Carlo
Murray’s last appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters was in 2017 when he was the reigning world number one. He lost to Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the third round and has not returned to the event again.
He has yet to be on the podium at Monte Carlo but has reached the semifinals of the tournament thrice. His last semi-final appearance came a year prior in 2016 when Rafael Nadal ended his run. Interestingly, it was the King of Clay who stood in his way in his previous semi-final appearances in 2009 and 2011.
Andy Murray x CLAY 🧡 #clayray pic.twitter.com/PGl03HZN8L
— Rush 🐠 (@drivevolleys) April 6, 2023
The Spaniard will not be standing in his path this time around but perennial rival, Novak Djokovic will be.
He will also see a familiar face in Daniil Medvedev, who will also be in the running for the prizes, as he aims at his sixth successive competition final. Murray was part of the Russian’s historic run, suffering in the final of the Qatar Open at Medvedev’s hand.
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