Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray has made a remarkable recovery from a debilitating hip injury, reviving his tennis career in hopes of going all the way at the Australian Open.
Despite being farewelled from Melbourne Park in 2019 and floating his retirement, the 36-year-old is back in the country for another crack, firstly taking on the Brisbane International before heading down to Melbourne.
"I feel good enough to compete with the best players in the world," Murray told 9News Queensland on Wednesday.
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"You know, keep playing until I don't feel like I can do that anymore."
While Murray has played at the Australian Open since that awkward 2019 goodbye, these latest comments are remarkable considering his career was as good as finished four years ago.
Murray reflected on his time Down Under, expressing his excitement to have another chance to perform for the Australian crowd.
"Coming back to Australia is always a brilliant way to start the year. I felt like I've played some of my best tennis here, so, always excited to get going," Murray said.
Meantime, Naomi Osaka has made her highly anticipated return to Australia, after an 18-month break from the game.
Watch Australia take on the United States and Great Britain in the 2024 United Cup from December 29. Every match ad free and on demand on Stan Sport
Spotted training on Christmas morning ahead of the Brisbane International, tournament director Cameron Pearson was singing her praises.
"She arrived Christmas morning and was practicing a few hours later," Pearson told reporters on Wednesday.
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"No Christmas pudding for her, she was straight into it and has been out practicing everyday."
As for the Aussies, Alex Vukic and Rinky Hijikata were handed wildcards for Brisbane after their breakout seasons.
"Very good year, very long year. I learnt a lot," World no. 62 Vukic said in Brisbane
"I think Rinky (Hijikata) was saying there was a lot of Aussies that did very well (over the year) and it helps us all."
Australia's summer of tennis kicks off with the United Cup starting on Friday.
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