Andy Murray targets return on British soil at his brother Jamie Murray's event

It may not be Wimbledon but Andy Murray is plotting a return to tennis action on British soil this summer – earmarking an event organised by his brother Jamie for his comeback.

The younger Murray brother has not played competitive tennis this season due to a pelvic issue and the coronavirus pandemic, but he is preparing to be involved in what’s becoming a congested calendar of all-British tennis.

Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion from Dunblane, made a dramatic return from a hip resurfacing operation last year, winning the European Open in October, but was forced to skip the Australian Open and ATP Cup due to his latest injury setback.

He had been plotting a return at the Miami Open in March, which was called off due to the Covid-19 crisis, but he will get an opportunity to return on home soil next month.

Full details of Jamie Murray’s event are set to be released in due course but it’s expected to be a round robin format in London, held in late June.

It had been suggested that Queen’s could be the destination for Jamie Murray’s tournament, however, it’s understood that is now unlikely.

In the weeks following that, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have launched their own programme of competitive tennis events, that will be held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC).

Andy Murray is understood to being open to competing in some of those events as well, but he will check on his progress after his appearance, all being well, at his brother’s tournament.

The LTA events will consist of the top-16 ranked – and available – British men’s and women’s tennis players playing best-of-three set matches on outdoor hard courts.

They will consist of four rounds of matches over three days – meaning players will have to play twice in a day to get matches done.

Players have until June 15 to decide if they will compete in the first LTA event, which takes place from July 3. It’s expected for events to run until the end of August, but plans have so far been outlined for a block of events spanning four weeks in July.

There will be two Premier-level events in the second and fourth weeks, offering more than £16,000 in total prize money. Singles champions will pocket £2,250.

At those Premier events, there will be a one day doubles-only event for eight teams played under Fast Four format.

LTA chief Scott Lloyd said: ‘Since the coronavirus crisis, we have been working incredibly hard to support all our players, venues, coaches and officials through this very challenging time. 

‘I’m delighted to announce today the next stage of elite tennis’ return to competing safely behind closed doors as part of a five-phase plan coordinated by UK Sport with Government.  

‘The LTA is actively engaged in developing the necessary guidelines for behind closed doors events, which we hope will be determined by the Government in the coming weeks to ensure the safest environment for anyone involved in returning to competition and look forward to bringing tennis back into people’s lives this summer.’

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