PAINFUL TRUTH

Andy admits he may have to opt for surgery on his hip

A DESPAIRING Andy Murray has admitted he may opt for surgery on the hip problem that is likely to keep him out of the Australian Open. Murray (pictured) yesterday withdrew from his scheduled comeback at the Brisbane International — after nearly six months out already. He later posted some poignant thoughts via social media, expressing the hurt he is going through as he tries to find a solution to his problems. Clearly the thought of surgery, which he has eschewed until now, is moving up his agenda. ‘I’ve obviously been going through a really difficult period with my hip for a long time and have sought council (counsel) from a number of hip specialists,’ wrote the 30-year-old Scot. ‘Having been recommended to treat my hip conservatively since the US Open, I have done everything asked of me from a rehab perspective and worked extremely hard to try to get back on the court competing. ‘Having played

practice sets here in Brisbane with some top players, unfortunately this hasn’t worked yet to get me to the level I would like, so I have to reassess my options. ‘Obviously, continuing rehab is one option and giving my hip more time to recover. ‘Surgery is also an option but the chances of a successful outcome are not as high as I would like, which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that. ‘However, this is something I may have to consider. ‘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 to compete.’ The Australian Open starts on January 15 and Murray said that he will make a decision on whether or not he plays in the event by this weekend. Murray, who started 2017 as the world No 1, has slipped down to 16th in the rankings during his long absence through injury. He had been given a bye through the first round of the Brisbane International and was set to face American Ryan Harrison in the last 16 tomorrow before withdrawing.