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Murray expecting tough Malisse test on grass

Andy Murray begins his Wimbledon preparations at Queen's © PA Photos

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Andy Murray insists he is happy with how his ankle has recovered ahead of his first singles match on grass.

The world No. 4 suffered a partial tear to a ligament in his right ankle in Paris, but went on to reach the semi-finals of the French Open. He initially feared he may miss the AEGON Championships with Wimbledon less than a fortnight away.

However, the Scot came through a doubles match with brother Jamie unscathed, and despite the defeat and heavy strapping to his ankle, insists he has no fitness concerns ahead of his second-round match against Xavier Malisse on Wednesday.

Murray had a chance to see Malisse in action first-hand on Tuesday, as he and brother Jamie lost their doubles match to Malisse and Ken Skupski, and although he has never lost to the Belgian, he is expecting a tough match.

"It was good to get a few points under my belt and I felt okay," Murray said.

"It will be a very tough match. He's very talented. It was my best French Open so I am pleased with that. I felt I was a bit patchy throughout the tournament but I was finding a way to win, especially in sets where I was behind.

"I came back a lot in matches which is something I hadn't been doing before the clay court stretch, which is good. Winning matches when you are not playing your best is really important."

Meanwhile, Malisse has played down claims that Murray will not be at his best when the pair go head-to-head on Wednesday afternoon.

"If he's playing, it means he's good to play. I don't think he'll take too many risks with Wimbledon coming up," Malisse said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.