2018 Australian Open - Andy Murray out of Australian Open with injury

Britain's Andy Murray(30) has pulled out of the Australian Open after failing to recover from an ongoing hip injury.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon last summer.

Andy Murray boarded a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne at noon local time on Thursday but his ultimate destination will be London and not the Rod Laver Arena.

The Australian Open starts on January 15,2018

"Sadly I won't be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete," Murray 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," he added.

Australian Open tournament director 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."