Murray to play Zhuhai and Beijing events as he steps up singles comeback

Andy Murray has entered next month’s Zhuhai Championships and China Open as he prepares to make his singles return.

Murray announced on Friday that he will compete in next week’s Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, seven months after his tearful revelation in Australia that his career could be over, and is already planning further events.

The 32-year-old wrote on Facebook: “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.”

The former world number one followed up his first Facebook post with another announcing his intention to take part in the China Open.

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

“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!”

Murray underwent hip resurfacing surgery at the end of January and began his comeback in June by playing doubles in the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s Club.

Playing in Cincinnati could well be a precursor to Murray making his grand slam singles return at the US Open starting on August 26, although the two-time Wimbledon champion may be wary of competing over best-of-five sets so soon.