Injured Murray pulls out of Brisbane event

Andy Murray’s preparations for the Australian Open have suffered another setback after he was forced to withdraw from the Brisbane International due to injury.

The 30-year-old has not played competitive tennis since Wimbledon last July due to a hip injury, but he was expected to make his return on Thursday with a second-round encounter against American Ryan Harris.

However, the three-time Grand Slam winner pulled out of the tournament on Tuesday afternoon as his right hip has still not healed sufficiently.

“It’s disappointing that Andy can’t continue. It’s disappointing for him because I know how much he wanted to play here as well,” tournament director Cameron Pearson told the ABC.

“He’s done his best to be ready for the tournament but hasn’t quite come up. He’s doing everything he can to play again.”

Murray has dropped to 16th in the world rankings and he admitted on his arrival in Australia that he will be forced to trim his 2018 schedule due to injury.

“I’ll probably make some changes to my schedule this year,” he said. “I’ll certainly play less than I have in the past to give my body time to rest and recover.”

The Australian Open starts on Monday January 15 and Pearson says Murray is determined to play in the first Grand Slam of the year.

“I had a long chat with him and he’s really looking forward to getting his body right and playing in Melbourne,” he said.

Andy Murray Australian Open Brisbane International

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