TENNIS NEWS - Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray underwent hip surgery on Monday but is optimistic about his chances of returning in time for Wimbledon and believes he can still challenge for major titles.
The 30-year-old Briton has not played a competitive match since hobbling to defeat by Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarterfinals six months ago and last week he withdrew from the Australian Open.
"Today I underwent successful right hip surgery at the St Vincent Hospital in Melbourne," Murray said on Facebook.
"I'd like to thank Dr John O'Donnell and all of the staff for looking after me. I look forward to returning to competitive tennis during the grasscourt season," he added.
"Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and support over the last few days. I'll come back from this."
Murray, who ended 2016 as world No 1, has slipped down to 19th in the rankings but the Scot is insists he is not a spent force.
"I'm not finished playing tennis yet. I'm going to be competing at the highest level again," Murray, talking from his hospital bed, was quoted as saying by British media.
"I'm very optimistic about the future - the surgeon is very happy about how it went."
