Murray faces lucky loser

ANDY MURRAY admits he needs to be "realistic" about his chances at this week's Madrid Masters as he returns to action for the first time since last month's Davis Cup.

Murray, whose previous appearance in an ATP Tour event was in the final of the US Open, has been taking a break for the last few weeks as he prepares himself for an end-of-season push that is largely focussed on the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

He is back in action this week though and, after losing in the first round of the doubles with brother Jamie yesterday, the world No.4 was beginning his singles challenge with a second-round clash against Italian lucky loser Simone Bolelli later today.