Andy Murray is preparing to make what may be his final comeback to tennis after he damaged ankle ligaments at Indian Wells in March and he will do so with a new weapon in his hands.
Rumours had been swirling suggesting Murray may make his return to action wielding a new brand of tennis racket and that was confirmed as he took to the practice courts in Bordeaux ahead of his appearance in the ATP Challenger event this week.
Murray has used a Head racket throughout a career that has seen him win three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals, as well as topping the ATP Rankings during the most glorious period in men’s tennis as he competed against all-time greats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Yet Murray is still striving for more and he confirmed as much by arriving in Bordeaux with Yonex rackets in his bag, with his eagerness to experiment at this late stage of his career confirmation that his motivation for success still burns brightly.
Former British No 1 spoke exclusively to Tennis365 about Murray’s comeback and he suggested the Scot could have one final moment of glory left in his career before he retires from tennis later this year.
“Who knows what to expect from Andy Murray this summer, but you know he will give it everything until he hits his final ball,” Castle told Tennis365.
“He is always looking for that extra edge to take him to the next level and that will never change with Andy.
“It will be different this summer because he has said it will probably be his last Wimbledom, so there are bound to be presentations, goodbyes and acknowledgements for Murray at Wimbledon, as there should be.
“The career he has had and the joy he has given British tennis fans has been immense and he deserves whatever send-off they give him.
“He will be acknowledged for the inspirational sportsman he has been. He’s been unbelievable.
“We had Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski flying the British flag for a few years and that was welcome after we had Jeremy Bates and some bloke called Andrew Castle as our big hopes for a few years!
“Andy just took it to the next level and then the next level again. I didn’t see it coming until I saw him play. He has been a fantastic champion.”
Murray has taken a wild card into the Geneva Open beginning on May 25 and he has opted for more clay-court practice in Bordeaux.
Murray’s last match on clay also came in Bordeaux a year ago, when he was heavily beaten by Stan Wawrinka before deciding not to play at Roland Garros.
This year he has his sights set on a final appearance in the year’s second grand slam, where he will also enter the doubles alongside Davis Cup team-mate Dan Evans.
He is also expected to play a full grass court season, with appearances at Surbiton, Nottingham and at The Queen’s Club all possible before what is certain to be an emotional farewell at Wimbledon.