Coach Jamie Delgado: Andy Murray pushing himself to limits this offseason

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has been pushing himself to the limits this offseason, according to his coach Jamie Delgado. The former world No. 1 is targeting a strong offseason as he would like to return to his old form in 2019.

Coach Jamie Delgado says @andy_murray pushing himself to limit - no surprise - to get ready for @BrisbaneTennis in Jan. @fabiofogna & Fernando Verdasco among players who have been hitting with him @CrandonPark where @MiamiOpen will no longer be played.

Moving a few miles up coast — Richard Ingham Evans (@Ringham7) December 8, 2018

After being sidelined for almost a year because of a hip issue, Murray returned to competitive action at the Queen's Club in June.

The Briton played six tournaments before he called it season at the end of September. The 31-year-old's last appearance came at the Shenzhen Open -- where he lost to Spain's Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-final.

Most importantly, Murray managed to conclude the 2018 season healthy and without any further hip problems. Murray was extremely cautious not to make a mistake and hit the sidelines again. The former world No. 1 called it a season prematurely to focus on the offseason.

Murray has been working hard in Miami in recent days. The three-time Grand Slam champion still isn't where he would like to be.

I asked @AndyMurray how he felt while training in Miami. "OK, but not as good as I would like." Pain? "I'll always have pain," smiled the man who won 2 of his 3 Slams with injuries that would have stopped other players playing.

Watched him play a set & he seemed to be moving well — Richard Ingham Evans (@Ringham7) December 8, 2018

No snow in Miami but that hasn't stopped ex ski instructor Bill Knowles taking his deadly machine Skier's Edge to KB to help @andy_murray train.

A minute on Edge; then straight to bike, then 30 cm stepping blocks - Andy pushing himself hard as always & looking good. — Richard Ingham Evans (@Ringham7) December 8, 2018

Murray is expected to open his 2019 campaign in the opening week of the season at the Brisbane International.

The Brisbane event could serve as a great preparation for the Australian Open as the event has gathered a strong player field. Murray is expected to be joined by fellow superstar and 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in Brisbane.

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