Andy Murray has acknowledged that he is effectively "starting from scratch" as he prepares to make an appearance at the Washington Open.
The former world number one missed almost a year of action due to a hip injury, and although the Scot played three matches on the grass at Queen's and Eastbourne, the decision was made to miss Wimbledon.
Murray is now ranked at 832nd in the ATP standings, but the British number 22 has suggested that trying to improve his ranking "should be fun".
The 31-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "I haven't been in this position since I was kind of 18. It sort of feels like I am starting from scratch again. It's going to be hard but it should be fun.
"I feel better than I did during the grass. I've had another four weeks training and feel pretty good."
Murray is scheduled to face American Mackenzie McDonald on Monday.