Andy Murray has revealed that he has taken the advice of his physiotherapist, Andy Ireland, and invested in a machine to help deal with his knee problems.
At the age of 16, Andy was diagnosed with bipartite patella which, in layman's terms, translates as a split kneecap. At the time, while he was still growing and playing 'too much tennis', he aggravated the injury so much that he could barely walk. After six months rest he was able to get back to training, however thie threat of this life-long condition flaring up again has never gone away.
Recently, the problem was brought to the attention of the public when it forced Murray to withdraw from the British Davis Cup tie in Argentina, resulting in a 4-1 thrashing for the team. However, the purchase of this device seems to emphasise just how serious this condition could be.
The machine is to be worn for twenty mins every day, and must be replaced after 150 uses. The aim is to help strengthen the connection between the two halves and make it more like one piece taking some pressure off the back of his kneecap.
Murray's thoughts
Andy commented on the reasoning behind the purchase of this 'horrendous' device:
I had a couple of problems with the knee last week in Dubai but it's one of those things, especially on the hard courts as well, if I don't look after it properly it can flare up.
When I was younger I had a lot of pain because I was growing and playing too much tennis. It got to the point where I couldn't walk. Now, when I do have a bit of pain I make sure I look after it a lot more.
I'm basically trying to make the bones join together and make less of a gap there which should make it move more as one piece, which then should take some of the stress off the back of my kneecap. It's going to make it more stable. It's never going to be perfect but it should help.
Andy also responded to a question about Federer's criticism, refusing to accuse the World number one of sour grapes.
If he's said it got taken out of context, then I'll take him at his word.I know what it's like when you walk off the court from a match and the press comments come straight off the court.
You can maybe say things that you don't necessarily mean.
