Andy Murray is OUT of next month’s Australian Open because of injury – and ATP Cup spot is also in jeopardy

ANDY MURRAY is out of the Australian Open because of a pelvic injury.

And it leaves Tim Henman’s ATP Cup plans in jeopardy ahead of the new, money-spinning event which starts on Friday.

The Scot has been denied an emotional return to Melbourne in the New Year – 12 months after he broke down in tears over his hip nightmare.

The 32-year-old hurt his pelvis during the Davis Cup in Madrid and it has not cleared up as quickly as he had hoped.

“I’ve worked so hard to get myself into a situation where I can play at the top level and I’m gutted I’m not going to be able to play in Australia in January,” Murray said.

“After the AO this year, when I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to play again, I was excited about coming back to Australia and giving my best, and that makes this even more disappointing for me.

“Unfortunately I’ve had a setback recently and as a precaution, need to work through that before I get back on court competing.”

“I know how excited Andy was about coming back to compete in Australia in January, and how disappointed he is not to make it for 2020,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.

“Andy’s last match at the Australian Open was a five-set roller coaster that none of us who witnessed it will ever forget. His determination and iron will was on display for all to see, and it’s that fighting spirit that has driven him to come back from a potentially career-ending injury to achieve the results he has this year.

“Although we will miss him in January, we wish him all the very best for his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on court very soon.”

Muzza, the world No 125, was scheduled to fly Down Under on Friday (Dec 27) but postponed his flight on the advice of his backroom team.

It was decided not to rush him back – particularly in five-set matches in intense OZ heat – and he will continue to hit on-court and build up his fitness.

Sources close to his camp don’t want to give any specific timeline on his recovery.

But he could return for the ATP Montpellier event or Rotterdam Open in February with the Dubai Tennis Championships a possible option.

The former world No1 will have to manage carefully his 2020 schedule as he continues his return to full fitness after career-saving hip resurfacing surgery.

Britain are set to face Bulgaria on January 3 in Sydney in the pool stages of the inaugural ATP Cup.

After losing his main man, GB captain Henman, 45, faces a dilemma about whether to bring in an additional player to the squad which consists of Dan Evans, Cameron Norrie, Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury.

Kyle Edmund, the former British No.1, would be the obvious replacement but he is set to play in Doha the same week.

Murray’s last Grand Slam singles appearance was a five-set defeat to Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut and after the loss he was shown tributes videos from the leading tennis stars.

It was thought Murray was finished as a pro player but the insertion of a metal hip implant during a London operation has breathed new life into his career.