Five-time finalist, Andy Murray, has pulled out of the Australian Open due to illness.
Murray left Brisbane Airport at noon Thursday and was due to catch an onward flight in Melbourne.
His withdrawal means that his absence from the tour – which dates back to his Wimbledon exit on July 12 – will now extend past the six-month mark.
“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.”
It was an abrupt end to Murray’s latest comeback attempt, which began on Wednesday, December 27, when he flew to Abu Dhabi.
At the beginning of this week, the Briton was confidently forecasting that he would take his place in the Brisbane International – the tournament he has been working towards for months.
But a practice set against Milos Raonic was the only tennis he played at the Queensland Tennis Centre, and he announced on Tuesday that he would not appear on the match court after all.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley had some kind words for Murray.
“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,” Tiley said.
“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, twice Wimbledon champion, has seemingly failed to add the Aussie title to his rich resume.
The 30-year-old is currently ranked 16th in the world.
