Andy Murray returns to practice courts ahead of Wimbledon defence

Andy Murray hits a backhand during his semi-final match against Marin Cilic at Queen's on June 18, 2016
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Andy Murray is on course to win his battle against injury in time to face Alexander Bublik in the opening round of Wimbledon.

Wimbledon top seed Andy Murray has eased concerns over his fitness by returning to the practice courts ahead of Monday's opening round.

The defending champion looked to be a doubt for his home tournament after limping off the court on Friday due to an issue with his left hip.

Murray, due to face Alexander Bublik in his first outing at SW19, is now expected to play through the pain barrier as he attempts to win the competition for a third time.

Speaking 24 hours beforehand, the Scotsman was confident of shaking off the minor hip problem in time to feature.

Asked if he was on track to face Bublik, he said: "I hope so, that's the plan."

Murray has been handed a favourable opener against the lucky loser, but he may still have to overcome Dustin Brown, Fabio Fognini, Nick Kyrgios, Stanislas Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal to reach the final.

Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates victory during the Men's Singles first round match against Liam Broady of Great Britain on day two of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 28, 2016 in Londo
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ATP RankingsPoints
1Scotland flag Andy Murray9,390
2Spain Rafael Nadal7,285
3Switzerland Stanislas Wawrinka6,175
4Serbia Novak Djokovic6,055
5Switzerland Roger Federer5,265
6Croatia Marin Cilic4,235
7Canada Milos Raonic4,150
8Austria Dominic Thiem3,895
9Japan Kei Nishikori3,830
10France Jo-Wilfried Tsonga3,075
11Bulgaria Grigor Dimitrov3,070
12Alexander Zverev3,070
13Belgium David Goffin2,785
14France Gael Monfils2,695
15Czech Republic Tomas Berdych2,570
16Lucas Pouille2,570
17Pablo Carreno Busta2,360
18United States Jack Sock2,335
19Spain Roberto Bautista Agut2,155
20Australia Nick Kyrgios2,110