After winning the doubles at Queens, can the two-time SW19 champion make a fairytale return to Centre Court? BBC commentator Annabel Croft shares her thoughts on Andy's prospects...
There’s nothing like grabbing a bowl of strawberries and cream and sitting down to watch Wimbledon. Whether you’re a tennis aficionado or just hoping for an impromptu Cliff Richard concert, there’s something for everyone. "There’s just so much history on those grass courts, with long, epic matches, be it five set thrillers on Centre or upsets on the outside courts," says BBC commentator and former British number one, Annabel Croft. "It’s got drama and magic, it’s incredible."
But it's always better when home talent performs well. This year, as Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber defend their titles, the nation will wait with baited breath as we see how Andy Murray’s return to Wimbledon goes.
Here Annabel Croft shares her thoughts on Andy Murray’s prospects...
After finally proving that Brits really can win Wimbledon (twice) Murray has been hampered by a devastating hip injury. Surgery in January proved successful, and he eased himself back into competitive play, winning the doubles with Spaniard Feliciano Lopez at the Queens Club (a warm-up grass tournament).
"It’s quite a sensible decision to start in doubles, because it’s half the court to cover and less stress on his body, but I hope we’ll see him back on court in singles," says Annabel, 52.
Most players have their injury woes to tackle, but Annabel emphasises quite how catastrophic Andy’s hip problems have been. "This has been such an ongoing injury for a couple of years now and anyone who saw him hobbling round in such incredible pain will know it was pretty awful," she says.
"The fact that he’s even out of pain now is just such a positive. But tennis is an incredibly athletic sport and the recovery that you need, particularly when playing five sets at grand slams, it takes an incredible toll on your body."
Wimbledon will be shown from Monday on BBC1, BBC2, BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button and online
Main picture: Getty Images for LTA
