Murray to play singles in Zhuhai & Beijing

Andy Murray will play singles at the Zhuhai Championships and China Open next month as he plots a successful return to the ATP Tour.

Murray, who appeared set for retirement amid continued hip issues following his five-set loss in the first round of the Australian Open in January, returned to play doubles in June after undergoing resurfacing surgery.

He confirmed this week he will make his singles comeback at the Western & Southern Open, though he has not yet decided whether he will contest the singles at the US Open.

The three-time grand slam champion and former world number one will, however, feature for at least some of the Asian swing after confirming his participation in Zhuhai and Beijing.

Posting on Facebook, he wrote: “As I look to play more singles events later in the year, I’m happy to announce I’ll be playing at the inaugural Zhuhai Championships in the week of Sept 23.

“I have always enjoyed playing in China and Zhuhai is meant to be a great city. It’s close to Macau and Hong Kong, with an impressive stadium and I can’t wait to experience it.

“Some more good news for my Chinese fans… I’m also going to play Beijing the week after Zhuhai.

“I’ve got some great memories from playing in Beijing, it’s a really interesting city, and I’m looking forward to heading back there again!”

While the event in Zhuhai is making its debut on the ATP Tour, Murray has previous happy memories of the China Open, having won it in 2016.

Murray will face Richard Gasquet in the first round of the Western & Southern Open on Monday.