Murray relying on optimism in grass season start

Andy Murray returned to grass with a win, with the Scot voicing some quiet optimism about his chances on the surface this season.

The three-time Grand Slam champion, now ranked 67th after a five-year comeback battle after injury, advanced in his opener at the Surbiton Challenger, defeating Czech Jurj Rodionov 6-2, 6-1.

The victory gives Murray – twice a Wimbledon champion – hopes for his own season on the lawns, which steps up to ATP-level next week in Stuttgart.

Nevertheless, the 35-year-old is not keen on expectations and their associated pressure.

“I have high expectations for myself and lofty goals and ambitions, which I talk about with my team regularly but I will not share them here,” he said post-match.

“I don’t think there should be lots of expectation on me to do that well.

“Grass is my best surface I feel. I have prepared as best I can for it.”

He added: “We will find out in a few weeks what the outcome is for it but the thing I can control is not the results and the performances at Wimbledon but I can control my preparation, my attitude on the court and my effort.

“I can guarantee I will give 100 per cent on that side of things to give myself the best chance to have a good run.”