Andy Murray could return from hip operation before grass-court season

Murray has slipped to 21st in the world rankings since being out injuredAndy Murray is planning to return to the practice court towards the end of March and could be back in action before the grass-court season.

The 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon champion, who had hip surgery in Melbourne on 8 January, has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon last year.

But the early stages of his rehabilitation are going well, according to those close to him.

"I'm certainly not going to rush anything," said the 30-year-old Briton.

The grass-court season starts at the beginning of June, before Wimbledon begins on 2 July.

Murray has not played competitively since losing in five sets to American Sam Querrey in…