MELBOURNE — Doubles legend Bob Bryan is backing "madman" Andy Murray to play for "many more years" despite the Briton being forced out of the Australian Open with another injury.

The veteran American had a major hip operation in 2018 but bounced back to continue his hugely successful doubles partnership with twin Mike.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray had similar, career-saving surgery 12 months ago and in October won his first title since going under the knife.

But the 32-year-old pulled out of the Australian Open with a pelvic injury and last week further delayed his comeback, renewing fears for his tennis future.

"I talked to him last week," the 41-year-old Bryan said on Sunday in Melbourne.

"He's got something unrelated to the hip injury — his hip feels great.

"All his numbers are off the charts, he tests the speed and the strength.

"He's right back where he was when he was number one, which is incredible. That's good to hear."

Murray has taken inspiration from Bryan as the Briton attempts to recapture a semblance of the form and fitness that made him world number one in 2016.

Bryan said that he has no issues with his hip — Murray has consistently said that he is also now pain-free, but the pelvic problem is a fresh setback.

The American cited a recent documentary about Murray which charted the Briton's painstaking comeback.

"If anyone saw the documentary, you'll know how crazy he is with the work, he's a madman," Bryan said. "He's going to put it in, he's going to do everything he can.

"I expect to see him playing for many more years, winning."

Monfils injures hand

playing computer game

Gael Monfils is nursing a swollen hand after he lashed out in frustration while playing a computer game — but does not expect the bizarre injury to hamper his Australian Open.

The 10th seed from France, who faces Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun in his Melbourne opener on Tuesday, suffered the injury in a fit of pique last month.

The 33-year-old played in the ATP Cup at the start of the year but told reporters on Sunday that his hand is still not quite right and he cannot volley as much as he would like.

"I was playing a video game in my bedroom and I hit my right hand against the headboard (of the bed)," Monfils said.

"The real treatment would be rest, but since I can't, I have taken anti-inflammatory drugs and put ice on it.

"But it's getting better, it's pretty positive, even if some days after big sessions I have to take the next day off to recover." — AFP