Ongoing hip injury sees Murray out of Oz Open

ANDY Murray (right) has withdrawn from the Australian Open because of an ongoing hip problem.

The 30-year-old had already pulled out of the Brisbane International event but has now announced he will play no part in the first grand slam of 2018, which starts in Melbourne on January 15.

“Sadly I won’t be playing i n Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,” he said.

“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.”

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley added: “We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and 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.”

Murray has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon last summer.

He released a statement on Tuesday where he admitted he was considering surgery to assess the problem, though his preference is to continue rehab and hope that prompts a recovery.

“I genuinely miss tennis so much and I would give anything to be back out there. I didn’t realise until these last few months just how much I love this game. Every time I wake up from sleeping or napping I hope that it’s better and it’s quite demoralising when you get on the court (and) it’s not at the level you need it to be.”

British ladies No 1 Johanna Konta is also a doubt for tournament after she was forced to retire from the Brisbane International due to injury in her quarter-final clash with Elina Svitolina this morning.

Ukraine’s Svitolina was leading 1-6 7-6 (8/6) 3-2 when Konta called time on her participation at the Pat Rafter Arena after seeking treatment two games earlier.

Konta had looked in fine form, particularly in the first set, but will now turn her attention to getting fit for the Australian Open later this month.

Another big name who has announced their withdrawal from this month’s Australian Open is world No 22 Kei Nishikori to continue his rehabilitation following long-term injury.

The Japanese player suffered a wrist problem last summer, which included a torn tendon, ruling him out of the second half of 2017.

“I am very sorry to announce that I will miss the Aussie Open this year,” he said.

“The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam, it’s my “home” Slam and it’s the Slam that takes incredible care of the players and their teams. It hurts that I will have to miss it this year.

“My rehab is going well but I am just not ready 100% to come back yet in best of five set matches.”