Murray encouraged by progress after hip surgery

Andy Murray insists he is encouraged by his recovery from career-saving hip surgery as the former world number one prepares to play next month's Shanghai Masters.

Murray is aiming to rebuild his singles ranking following the operation in January.

The 32-year-old Scot made a tentative return to singles action in Cincinnati last month.

He was last seen on court at a Challenger event in Majorca -- his first time playing at that lower level for 14 years -- and his next tournament will be the Zhuhai Championships later in September.

Although Murray lost in the third round in Majorca against the unheralded Matteo Viola, the two-time Wimbledon champion was pleased he came through three matches in four days without any complications.

"The last tournament was at Challenger level which was good for me. We had good crowds there and it was different. I haven't played at that level for 14 or 15 years but I enjoyed it," Murray told reporters on Thursday.

"I am just happy to be healthy again. I would like to be playing at a higher level but it was fun for me out there.

"Recovering from matches because I don't have pain, the preparation is fun. Hopefully it keeps going that way."