Andy Murray is taking confidence from one of the most painful matches of his career as he targets a successful return to Wimbledon.
The two-time champion will face 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili in the opening round on Monday in what will be his first singles match at the All England Club since a five-set defeat by Sam Querrey in 2017.
Murray limped through the Championships four years ago as defending champion after the hip problem that would lead him almost to retirement became acute.
"I was feeling horrendous during that tournament," said Murray. "I was in so much pain playing there.
"When you speak to my team about that Wimbledon, we laugh about it today. Because I don't know how I did that. I would have beaten Querrey in that match as well, but with each minute that passed, I was feeling worse.
"When I got off the court and saw my wife, usually I'm devastated after losing at Wimbledon. I was just so happy that was over. I just wasn't enjoying it and with each set, each match, it was just getting worse and worse.
He is not, though, thinking about a Wimbledon farewell, saying: "I don't want it to be my last Wimbledon. That's not my plan.
"I'm not going into Wimbledon thinking I'm saying goodbye. I want to keep going and I want to keep playing. But obviously I don't know.
"If I got a significant injury or whatever, then that would obviously change things. But I guess that's the case with most players when they get into their mid-30s. I'm still planning on playing for as long as I can."
:: Andy Murray is an ambassador and investor in HALO Hydration which is now available in the UK at HALOHydration.com
