Murray Withdraws From Aussie Swing

Andy Murray will have a late start to his 2020 campaign. The Brit announced his withdrawal from the ATP Cup and Australian Open due to a recent setback in the off-season.

“I’ve worked so hard to get myself into a situation where I can play at the top level and I’m gutted I’m not going to be able to play in Australia in January,” Murray said. “After the Australian Open this year, when I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to play again, I was excited about coming back to Australia and giving my best. That makes this even more disappointing for me.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback recently and, as a precaution, need to work through that before I get back on court competing.”

The Brit made headlines this year after an emotional pre-tournament press conference at the Australian Open, when he announced his intention to retire after Wimbledon due to ongoing pain in his left hip. Murray fell in his opening round in Melbourne to Roberto Bautista Agut, but instead opted for a second surgery just weeks later and had a metal plate inserted into his hip joint.

He threw himself into recovery and tested the waters with a foray into doubles, winning his first event back in June with Feliciano Lopez at Queen’s Club (d. Ram/Salisbury). Murray returned to singles action in August and, just two months later, defeated Stan Wawrinka in the Antwerp final to clinch his first ATP Tour singles title since 2017 Dubai.

“I know how excited Andy was about coming back to compete in Australia in January, and how disappointed he is not to make it for 2020,” said Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia CEO. “Andy’s last match at the Australian Open was a five-set roller coaster that none of us who witnessed it will ever forget. His determination and iron will was on display for all to see. It’s that fighting spirit that has driven him to come back from a potentially career-ending injury to achieve the results he has this year.”

James Ward will replace Murray on Team Great Britain at the ATP Cup.