Murray ready to get down on grass

Andy Murray is ready for his final grasscourt start as the two-time Wimbledon winner returns to the Stuttgart Open.

The 37-year-old who is expected to give up the game during 2024, played the final in Germany’s car-making capital in 2022, losing to Italia Matteo Berrettini. 

He is now back at the Weissenhof Club to begin his Wimbledon preparation in a less frenzied atmosphere than at home.

The European Football Championships opening on Friday will suck the air out of the room in sporting circles for the next month, with its final falling on the same Sunday as the July 14 Wimbledon title match.

Asked to choose his pair for the final next month, the Scot went with France and England.

As for tennis, the former No. 1 says he’s on point after two training sessions Monday: “I’m  doing well, happy to be back playing here, I enjoyed the tournament a couple of years ago. 

“Stuttgart is a nice city and the Germans love their tennis. They have brilliant fans who give great support. I hope I can have a good tournament,”

French Open finalist Alexander Zverev heads the field as he plays the home event for the first time since an opening loss in 2019 to flamboyant Dustin Brown.

Defending champion Frances Tiafoe of the US is seeded fourth.