Time was when Andy Murray knew Wimbledon was coming because of the onset of stress-induced mouth ulcers.
Now, fully aware there may not be many more times like this, he is determined to be more relaxed and drink in the whole experience.
The 34-year-old Scot has not played singles at SW19 since limping out of his quarter-final against American Sam Querrey in 2017. When he faces world No 28 Nikoloz Basilashvili on Monday it is likely to be in what once seemed to be his personally allotted time — late afternoon on Centre Court.
Andy Murray insists he’s going to savour his singles appearance at Wimbledon this year
Whatever happens, Murray is going to try to savour it, a luxury compared to the era when he carried the nation’s hopes for a fortnight on his shoulders.
He hopes — and intends — that it will not be goodbye, but after the last four years, also understands nothing is guaranteed.
‘I just wish I’d done that more during my career — just being a little bit more present,’ he said.
‘Often I got like into a zone the week before Wimbledon. I was always very stressed, always in tunnel vision and maybe I didn’t appreciate that week as much.
‘I was just thinking about the tournament and trying to win rather than just enjoying it a bit more. I’m sure the closer the day gets, my competitive instincts will kick in. If I could say I’m going to be fine for the next five or six months, it would be a lot easier.
It is four years since the Scot’s last singles match at Wimbledon ended in agony
‘But, when you’ve had multiple setbacks and they keep happening, it’s difficult to not view each tournament as being extremely important — because you don’t know what is going to happen.’
The Centre Court memories are indelibly imprinted on his mind but he would gladly forget the last time he was out there on his own (he played mixed doubles with Serena Williams in the famous arena two years ago).
He had started feeling his hip towards the end of the preceding 2017 French Open, and, by the time he got to Wimbledon, that whole area of his body was in full-blown rebellion.
‘Wimbledon 2017, I was feeling horrendous during that tournament,’ he said. ‘I was in so much pain playing there.’
That sparked an 18-month search for some kind of resolution, including a minor operation and long spells of painful rehabilitation. None of it really worked. In January 2019, he opted to have a full metal disc inserted into his hip.
‘The only decision that I would change would have been to have had the main operation sooner,’ he said. ‘Because in that 18 months, when I was training, muscles start to waste away due to the discomfort and compensation.
Murray has won the Grand Slam twice, pictured here winning it for a second time in 2016
The Centre Court memories are indelibly imprinted on his mind after previous triumphs
‘But I think ultimately you’re trying to find any way you can. I had to take everything to the end point because, having a metal hip put in, that’s the last resort.’
Murray returns now as a father to four children and a slightly more contemplative character.
‘Probably away from the court I’ve become a lot more reflective,’ he added. ‘That’s normal because I’ve not been able to do the thing that I love. So I’ve thought more about what I would have done differently and regrets I might have had. So that when I did get the chance to start playing again I wouldn’t make those mistakes.’
The metal hip has not been a miracle cure — nobody has yet been able to play consistent singles after having one, although the same procedure gave doubles specialist Mike Bryan an extra lease of life. Murray has missed plenty of tennis this year, while making the second round at Queen’s.
He has an interesting match-up against Georgia’s Basilashvili, who has had very different issues of his own over the past 18 months.
In the spring of last year Basilashvili’s ex-wife accused him of domestic assault in a case. As the controversy rolled on, he suffered a complete loss of form but has recovered it this season and reached the semi-finals on grass in Halle, Germany, last week.
Murray hopes that it will not be goodbye, but also understands nothing is guaranteed
Legal proceedings are ongoing. He denies the accusations.
Basilashvili hits the ball extremely hard and Murray will need to soak up his pace. Murray won a match at Queen’s last week before losing to eventual champion Matteo Berrettini. He thinks being back at the All England Club will help.
‘I’m not saying I’ll get to exactly where I want to be but I think I can get myself a bit closer,’ said Murray who practised with Roger Federer at the All England Club yesterday. ‘I’ve always preferred the courts at Wimbledon. Even though I’ve played well at Queen’s over the years, it’s a bit quicker.
‘The courts at Wimbledon tend to be a bit slower. A lot of guys aren’t comfortable on grass so I think I can do well.
‘It was nice to play in front of fans at Queen’s. Before, with no fans, it just felt a bit empty.
‘I’ve also missed playing at Wimbledon. I think I’ll be excited, nervous too.’