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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 30, 2019
Andy Murray: Former British number one has resurfacing surgery on hip
Murray was due to play in next month’s Marseille Open before opting for further surgery. (Andy Murray)
BBC Sport - Britain’s former world number one Andy Murray had hip resurfacing surgery in London on Monday. The three-time Grand Slam champion, 31, announced in January he would retire this year, preferably after Wimbledon. But he admitted the Australian Open, where he lost to Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round, could be the final tournament of his career. He said: “I have a metal hip. Feeling a bit battered and bruised but hopefully that will be the end of my hip pain.” The Scot’s post on Instagram featured an X-ray picture of his hip.
What does the operation involve? Professor Max Fehily, consultant orthopaedic surgeon and clinical director at the Manchester Hip Clinic, says the operation involves “smoothing down the ball, then covering it with a metal cap”. “Then a layer of metal is placed within the pelvic socket in which it sits,” he added. American doubles legend Bob Bryan had a similar operation in 2018. The 40-yearold was on court within five months of his operation and competed with twin brother Mike at the Australian Open. Prof Fehily added that “90 to 95% of patients who have this surgery are delighted and live a pain-free life”, although none of his patients try to play professional tennis. Murray initially had surgery on his right hip in January 2018 and has played 15 matches since returning to the sport last June. He was due to play in February’s Marseille Open but withdrew from the tournament earlier in January. Murray ended his 2018 season in September to spend time working with rehabilitation expert Bill Knowles. But he was in tears at a news conference in
Murray posted this picture on Instagram of his hip following surgery. (Andy Murray) Melbourne when he announced before the first Grand Slam of 2019 that it may be the final one of his career. Murray then said following his five-set exit to Bautista Agut that he would need “a big operation” if he was to play again, but added: “I’ll give it my best shot.” In an interview with BBC Radio 5 live, the two-time Olympic champion said surgery was the only option if he wanted to play beyond Wimbledon. “However, there is a strong possibility I won’t come back and play after an operation. I want to play tennis, but not with the hip I have right now,” he added. Murray said surgery on his hip would mean “my quality of life would be better”. “Just going to walk my
dogs, playing football with my friends, is the worst thing I can think of doing,” he said. “I hate it because it’s so sore and it’s uncomfortable. Waiting another five or six months to do something like that is just another period where I’m really uncomfortable.” Analysis BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller “Athletes have had operations like that done and come back to play, but certainly not in singles,” Murray told me in Melbourne after that very emotional news conference. I am sure there is a small part of him that has not abandoned all hope of continuing his career, but this operation is first and foremost about improving his quality of life. (Continued on page 33)
Archer’s brace stuns Brisbane as Hurricanes extend lead HOBART, Australia, CMC – Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer moved his wickets tally for the Big Bash League to 13, after taking a brace on Tuesday to help Hobart Hurricanes brush aside Brisbane Heat by nine wickets and consolidate their hold on the top of the standings. The 23-year-old Archer snatched two for 28 as Brisbane, sent in, were held to 145 for six off their 20 overs at Bellerive Oval. They were tottering on 27 for four in the sixth over after Archer and seamers James Faulkner (2-27) and David Moody (2-27) combined in a devastating partnership to wreck the top order. Archer got the key wicket of captain Chris Lynn, caught by George Bailey at mid-off in the fifth over with 27 runs on the board. With his next very next delivery, he claimed lefthander Matt Renshaw to a catch at the wicket but failed to get the hat-trick in his next over. However, Alex Ross ar-
Fast bowler Jofra Archer. rived to slam 62 off 35 deliveries while Jimmy Peirson struck a patient 50 off 48 deliveries, in a crucial 109-run, fifth wicket stand. In reply, Hurricanes made light work of their target, with D’Arcy Short hammering 68 not out and Caleb Jewell, an unbeaten 61, to put their side over the line with over five overs remaining. The pair put on 132 in an unbroken second wicket
stand after captain Matthew Wade fell cheaply for 12 in the second over. Hurricanes top the standings with 18 points from 11 matches, four clear of Sydney Sixers in second. Archer resides in England and is expected to complete his eligibility residency period shortly, making him an option for the upcoming 50overs World Cup in England starting in May.