Tennis

Andy Murray Returns to Practice Court After Ankle Injury, Eyes Paris OlympicsThree-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has made a significant step in his recovery from an ankle injury, returning to the practice court after confirming that he will not undergo surgery.The 36-year-old Murray suffered a torn ligament in his left ankle during a match at the Miami Open in March. The injury raised concerns about his future, as Murray had previously stated that he was unlikely to play beyond this summer.However, Murray's team announced this week that he had been cleared to resume training. "Andy is out of the walking boot and will not be having surgery," the statement read. "He is hoping to start hitting again on court soon."A video posted on Murray's Instagram account on Friday showed the former world No. 1 hitting forehands on an indoor court. While no timeline for his return has been announced, Murray's progress is a positive sign for his hopes of competing in the Paris Olympics.Murray has been a key member of the British Davis Cup team and has expressed his desire to represent his country at the Olympics one last time. The Paris Games will be held in July and August 2024, giving Murray ample time to recover and prepare.Murray's return to the practice court is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite facing a potentially career-ending injury, he remains committed to his goal of competing at the highest level. His progress will be closely monitored by fans and fellow players alike, as he aims to add to his impressive legacy in the sport.

Dominic Thiem's recent video message sparked concerns among his followers, but the Austrian star has clarified that he is not retiring. Instead, he is facing a setback in his recovery from a right wrist injury.Thiem skipped the Sunshine Double to participate in ATP Challenger events on clay, but his wrist issues resurfaced. He explained that he and his father had reverted to their old training methods, which aggravated the injury."We started to practice like I did when I was younger with a lot of intensity, a lot of strokes, a lot of hours on the court. Unfortunately, a little bit before the Challenger in Hungary, my wrist started to make some issues again," Thiem said.Despite the setback, Thiem remains optimistic about returning to ATP Tour action next week. He plans to compete in the Estoril Open, which begins on April 24th."Right now the situation is I've turned down the volume a little bit. Chances are good I can make it to Estoril," he said. "That's the plan as well. I want to start playing there again, which is my goal."Thiem's wrist injury has been a persistent problem since 2021. He has struggled to regain his previous form, which saw him reach the Top 3 and win the 2020 US Open.The Austrian is currently ranked No. 90 and has lost his first two tour-level matches of the year. He is hoping to use the Estoril Open as a platform to rebuild his confidence and return to his former heights.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, just a day before his scheduled first match. The 22-time Grand Slam champion announced his withdrawal on social media, expressing his disappointment.Nadal has been sidelined for nearly all of the past season due to a hip injury that required surgery. He briefly returned to action in early January, playing three matches before suffering a muscle tear near the hip. This forced him to miss the Australian Open and has kept him off the tour since.Nadal had arrived in the California desert well ahead of the hard-court tournament to prepare for his return to action. He left to play an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on Sunday before returning to Indian Wells.The 37-year-old was scheduled to face 2016 Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic in the first round on Thursday night. However, his withdrawal has left the tennis world eagerly awaiting his next competitive appearance.Nadal's absence from the BNP Paribas Open is a significant blow to the tournament, which is one of the most prestigious events on the ATP Tour. It also raises questions about his future in the sport. Nadal has hinted that this could be his final year as a professional, and his recent injury setbacks have cast doubt on his ability to continue competing at the highest level.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Nadal remains one of the most respected and admired figures in tennis. His determination and resilience have inspired countless fans around the world, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure.

Paula Badosa's injury woes continue to haunt her as the former world No. 2 was forced to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Spaniard, who made her biggest career breakthrough in Indian Wells in 2021, has been struggling with a myriad of injuries since then.Badosa's withdrawal from Indian Wells marks the fourth tournament out of six that she has either lost a match via a walkover or withdrawn from after the draw was made. She owns a 4-5 win-loss record on the year, with three of her victories coming on her way to the Australian Open third round.The stress fracture in her L4 vertebra (low back) sidelined Badosa for the second half of the 2023 season. She returned to Indian Wells with a wild card, but her injury woes continue to plague her."So sorry I have to withdraw from my favorite tournament," Badosa shared in an Instagram Story. "I tried everything to be able to play but (it) wasn't enough. I'm having a very difficult time with my injury but I'm fighting every day to come (back) as soon as possible."Badosa has been struggling to get her 2024 season off the ground. She has been open about her struggles with injuries and the toll it has taken on her mentally."I wanna thank the fans that are sticking with me, (especially) this past year," Badosa said. "I'm sorry I haven't given what you are expecting from me and I'm just giving you sad news lately. (Trust me it's the last thing I want also)..."Hopefully soon the tears will be tears of joy again."Badosa's withdrawal from Indian Wells is a major blow to the tournament. She was one of the top contenders for the title and her absence will be felt.