British tennis player Andy Murray will not participate in the Australian Open, the first ‘Grand Slam’ of the season that takes place from January 15 to 28 in Melbourne, due to a hip injury, the tournament organization reported in a release.
The three-time ‘big’ winner has not played an official match since the Wimbledon quarterfinal loss in July and, despite attending a one-set display in Abu Dhabi last week, the Scotsman has decided focus on rehab.
“Sadly I will not play in Melbourne this year as I am not ready to compete yet,” Murray, a five-time Australian Open runner-up, said in a statement. “I will be flying home soon to evaluate all the options, but I appreciate all the messages of support and hope to play again soon,” he added.
The absence of Murray, number 16 of the ATP, might not be the only one of renown in Australia as Serbian Novak Djokovic – five-time champion of the tournament – is awaiting his evolution in the elbow and will test a few days before in an exhibition. If he passes the test, the one from Belgrade will be present at the first big appointment of the course.
Murray withdraws from Australia Open due to injury
