Andy Murray adds Zhuhai Championships and China Open to singles schedule

The former world No 1 returns to singles action next week at the Cincinnati Masters

Andy Murray has added the inaugural Zhuhai Championships and China Open to his singles schedule as he steps up his recovery from injury.

This follows the announcement that the former world No 1 will be returning to singles action at the Cincinnati Masters next week. Murray has been drawn in the first round of the competition against France’s Richard Gasquet.

Seven months have passed since the Scot’s tearful revelation in Australia that his career could be over due to a serious hip injury.

But following a successful operation in January, Murray has been slowly working his way back to fitness.

He began his comeback in June by playing doubles in the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s Club and has continued to compete in the less-demanding format, most recently in last week’s Rogers Cup in Canada.

Announcing his involvement at the Zhuhai Championships, Murray said: “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.”

A second Facebook post followed, accompanied by an image of Murray holding the China Open trophy. “Some more good news for my Chinese fans... I’m also going to play Beijing the week after Zhuhai,” the 32-year-old wrote.

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

The Scot also returned to Wimbledon this summer, where he lined up alongside Serena Williams in the mixed doubles.

The pair reached the third round of the competition before losing in three sets against top seeds Bruno Soares and Nicole Melichar.

Murray’s last singles appearance was on the hard courts of Melbourne, where he was dispatched in the first round of the Australian Open by quarter-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets.