Doubles legend Bryan backs 'madman' Murray to march on

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."