Five-time finalist Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to a hip injury. The announcement comes just two days after he pulled out of the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp.
“Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,” said Murray. “I’ll be flying home shortly to assess all the options but I appreciate all the messages of support and I hope to be back playing soon.”
Murray has a 48-12 record at the first major championship of the year, finishing runner-up in 2010-2011, 2013, 2015-16. The former World No. 1 has not played competitively since July 2017, when he lost to Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
[ALSO LIKE]Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley wished Murray the very best for his recovery.
“We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and that he’s done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer,” said Tiley.
“Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it. We wish him the absolute best on his road to recovery and look forward to having him back in Melbourne. He is a true champion and one of our favourites.”
The 2018 Australian Open begins on 15 January.