TENNIS: Andy Murray withdraws from Australian Open due to long term...

ANDY MURRAY has pulled out of the Australian Open after failing to recover from a hip injury that has been on for about six months threatening his legacy, and he’s already on his way home after abruptly flying out of Brisbane earlier today.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon last summer and faces an extension to his time on the sidelines and could be set for surgery on the hip.

Andy Murray pulls out of Australian Open [www.AmenRadio.net] — **Andy Murray pulls out of Australian Open**

“Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,” said Murray, 30, who will be flying back to London from Australia and “assess all the options” and hopes be back playing soon.

There were no clear words about whether he plans to go for surgery on the injured hip, although he admitted this week it was becoming more and more of an option.

In a lengthy emotional post on social media, Murray explained he has obviously been going through a really difficult period with his hip for a long time and have sought council from a number of hip specialists. He emphasised surgery was still something he wanted to do avoid, but that it was now be an option he may have to consider.

Murray had looked set to hold a media briefing at the Pat Rafter Arena, home of the Brisbane International, earlier on Thursday but instead made what seems to have been a late decision to head to the airport at noon to begin the long journey home.

The 30-year-old scot is on his way back home to review further options [www.AmenRadio.net] — **The 30-year-old scot is on his way back home to review further options**

This will be the first time the 30-year-old has not played in Melbourne since 2005, and this will be the second consecutive Grand Slam tournament that he has missed due to injuries.

Director of Australian Open Tournament, Craig Tiley said: “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.
“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.”

Kei Nishikori another major absentee at Melbourne [www.AmenRadio.net] — **Kei Nishikori another major absentee at Melbourne**

On the list of high-profile absentees from Melbourne also includes Japan’s Kei Nishikori. The much expected Serena Williams is still yet to decide her participation although world number one Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who have both been under injyru clouds have been throwing advances after announcing that they are both travelling to the city and participating in warm-up events next week, despite not having played an official tournament this week.

Andy Murray last played competitively at Wimbledon in July before the hip injury ended his season and the ex-world No1 has slipped to 16th since he lost to Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.His wait for a first Australian Open title will continue after runner-up finishes in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

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