Saturday 21 April 2018 22:18, UK
Andy Murray has revealed that recovering from hip surgery this year has been "harder" than his previous fitness problems.
The 30-year-old, who has confirmed his intention to play at the Citi Open in Washington ahead of the US Open, only recently returned to the training court following his operation in January.
It is not the first testing experience Murray has endured to work his way to full fitness again, having gone through a back operation in 2013.
But he told the Washington Post: "This time has been harder. There's been a lot more ups and downs this time. It's been longer and a lot more complex than the back issue.
"Having been through a back injury and a difficult surgery before helps, but the back injury was easier because I was back on the court competing quite soon afterwards.
"I will enjoy it more (returning to action). I think when you go through an injury like this you realise how much you miss playing, how important it is to you.
"I like pressure, I miss that, something that you don't get in day-to-day life, something that I've had as part of my life for 13, 14 years since I became a pro. I miss that, I miss the competition.
"You never quite know what's around the corner. I certainly never anticipated something like this, so I certainly won't take anything for granted when I come back."
Murray will make a late decision on whether to play in the Challenger Tour event in Glasgow starting on April 30, one of two new second-tier tournaments announced by the Lawn Tennis Association last month, partly with the Scot's return in mind.
The Briton could also play in Loughborough towards the end of May while, if he wants extra grass-court play, there is another Challenger in Surbiton beginning on June 4.
Murray is expected to return to main ATP Tour action at the Libema Open in the Netherlands in June, the grass-court tournament taking place the week before the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen's Club.
