Murray Accepts Wild Card Into Winston-Salem Open

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray has accepted a wild card into the Winston-Salem Open, an ATP 250 tournament that starts Sunday.

Murray began his singles comeback this week at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, falling to Frenchman Richard Gasquet in straight sets. It will mark Murray’s first time playing in Winston-Salem, the ATP 250 Tournament Of The Year in 2016.

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“What I need now is matches. I want to get myself back on the singles court and keep testing myself. Winston-Salem is a perfect place for me to do that,” said Murray, who will not play singles at the US Open.

“I know from speaking to players who have played there that the site is great… Good facilities for practice, gym. The weather will be good from what I’ve seen. It’s another step for me in the comeback, and we’ll see how it goes. Hopefully I can have a good run.”

Winston-Salem Open Tournament Director Bill Oakes said: “We’re thrilled that Andy Murray is joining the playing field for next week’s Winston-Salem Open. Andy remains one of the fiercest competitors in tennis. Our playing field for this year’s tournament is phenomenal.”

Murray began the year at the Australian Open and was contemplating retirement after his first-round loss to Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut. But the Scot underwent a second operation on his right hip and returned to doubles action in June.

Murray joins Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick as former World No. 1s to have played at the Winston-Salem Open. Hewitt played in 2011, Roddick in 2011 and 2012.

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