Bob Bryan "feeling good" after hip implant, recommends it for Murray

Bob Bryan says he's doing well following hip implant surgery, and would recommend Andy Murray undergoing the same procedure not because it guarantees a comeback but because it'll improve his quality of life.

Bob and Mike Bryan have just reunited as a doubles team, reaching the semifinals of Auckland and winning their opening round at the Australian Open. The legendary pair had not played together since Bob's hip injury in Madrid, after which Mike teamed with Jack Sock to win two Grand Slams and the ATP Finals.

"When I went and looked at the MRI, it didn't look good," Bob Bryan said in Melbourne. "Going in to get a metal hip implant, there's no one that's come back from that in tennis. So there were no guarantees. I'm happy it's feeling good."

But he cautioned that it was still a long recovery.

"The doctors said this is more of a seven or eight months until you feel perfect. Until I feel that, I can't give you the guarantee," he said.

The 40-year-old has been in regular contact with Andy Murray, who is considering a similar procedure.

"Seeing the way Murray is feeling kind of hit a nerve with me," Bob Bryan said. "I think our hips are pretty similar."

Murray, who lost in four sets to Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open, is unsure whether to take time off and have the risky surgery or to rest and try to play Wimbledon. The three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 has pulled out of all the events in February that he was scheduled to play.

Bob Bryan said that while he didn't know if a player could compete in singles following the procedure, it has helped with everyday life.

"I think he's to the point where this is probably his last option. I would love to see him do it just for quality of life," he said. "You can sleep, walk, be with your kids, play. It's frustrating when you can't put on your shoes."

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