Is playing in Madrid risky business for Andy Murray?

Andy Murray has made a U-turn and will return to clay-court action at the Madrid Open this week, but is it a risk worth taking for the two-time champion?

Playing on the dirt is a dilemma for the Scot, who has previously stated that he would skip the entire clay-court season, including the French Open.

So why the change of mind? World No 81 Murray knows he needs more competitive action under his belt as he builds up to the grass-court season. He last played in late March when he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the second round of the Miami Open.

He's also keen to find out how his partnership with Ivan Lendl is going since they reunited for a third time in March.

Murray, who has battled back from career-saving hip surgery, has previously said clay has exacerbated injury issues.

The last time Murray played on the surface he suffered a chastening defeat for the loss of six games against Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the French Open in 2020.

Murray's U-turn has certainly surprised tennis commentator and former British No 3, Barry Cowan.

"It was something that I never thought would happen because of what happened the last time he played on clay. He was uncomfortable on it, in terms of his movement. He felt the transition from going to hard to clay and then back to the grass, which, let's be honest, is the most important part of Andy Murray's season, is making sure he's fit for the grass," he told Sky Sports.

"Having had that practice in Miami on the clay, he obviously felt his body was right. He obviously felt that playing in Madrid, getting a wildcard and playing some matches, is a positive.

"I thought that maybe if he felt he could play some matches that he could play at a Challenger on the hard.

"I'm sure it's not