Murray’s future is uncertain following his latest injury setback. The 36-year-old pulled up on his ankle during his match against Tomas Machac but played on without getting it taped up. He went on to lose and, a day later, revealed that he suffered a full rupture of his ATFL and near full thickness rupture of his CFL.
The former world No. 1 said he would be out for an “extended period” and flew back to London on Wednesday to seek specialist advice. It comes at a difficult time, with Murray just months away from ending his career after sharing his intentions to stop playing after this summer.
Murray’s ex-coach has now admitted that he didn’t expect the 36-year-old to make any announcements until the timing was right. Speaking to Sky Sports, Delgado said: “I think he made a comment about this in the Middle East and he’s getting a bit tired of people asking him all the time so maybe this was a bit of a, rather get it out in the open a bit more.
“I didn’t think he would mention anything to be honest until he felt the time was right.” Although Delgado is surprised by Murray’s retirement comments, he’s hoping that his former charge will be able to go out on a high during the grass season.
The current coach of Grigor Dimitrov continued: “Fingers crossed he’s good for the grass because I still believe on a grass court especially, he can beat so many of these guys still with his skillset and let’s hope he has a good run there.” With the start of the grass season a couple of months away, it remains to be seen whether Murray recovers in time to compete.
Delgado was disappointed to see Murray get injured when he did, as he thought the world No. 62 had finally rediscovered his confidence and likely would’ve beaten Machac to reach the last 16 in Miami. “I was watching it live at the time. He clearly pulls up and in a lot of pain,” the British coach said of Murray’s injury.
“I was actually surprised how well he played after this moment, he actually nearly went on to win the match. It was tough because I feel in the last few weeks from Dubai onwards I really feel he was starting to pick up his game, his confidence.
“He was playing the bigger points better and I think he would’ve won that match to be honest against Machac, it was looking that way. So disappointing.” While Delgado saw Murray in Miami, they have not discussed the injury yet.
“I don’t know much about the injury itself, I haven’t spoken to him since then. But tricky few weeks for him and I hope he can get it back together,” he added.