Andy Murray makes heart-wrenching apology for missing Australia Open during ‘really difficult period’ with hip injury
Three-time Grand Slam champ has not played a serious set match since Wimbledon last summer
ANDY MURRAY has pulled out of the Australian Open after failing to recover from a worrying hip injury that is threatening his legacy.
The three-time Grand Slam champ has not played a serious set match since Wimbledon last summer and faces an extension to his time on the sidlines after this latest heartache.
The gutted hero wrote this tearful post: "Hey everyone.. Just wanted to write a little message on here for anyone interested in what in going through right now.
"Firstly I want to apologise to @brisbanetennis for withdrawing at late notice and to everyone who wanted to come along to watch me play(or lose😇) "The organisers couldn't have been more understanding and supportive and I'll always remember that. Thank you.
"I've obviously been going through a really difficult period with my hip for a long time and have sought council from a number of hip specialists.
"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 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 I 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 but let's hope not.
"I choose this pic as the little kid inside me just wants to play tennis and Compete.. I genuinely miss it so much and 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.
"Everytime I wake up from sleeping or napping i hope that it's better and it's quite demoralising when you get on the court it's not at the level you need it to be to compete at this level.
"In the short term I'm going to be staying in Australia for the next couple of days to see if my hip settles down a bit and will decide by the weekend whether to stay out here or fly home to assess what I do next.
"Sorry for the long post but I wanted to keep everyone in the loop and get this off my chest as it's really hurting inside."
The 30-year-old boarded a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne on Thursday but he will end up back at his west London base and not the Rod Laver Arena after failing to shake off the ongoing problem
The Australian Open starts on 15 January and there will now be a huge hole in the tournament with the quick-witted Scot heading home to recover.
The ex-world No1 has slipped to 16th since he lost to Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
A triumphant return at the US Open in August was axed two days before the first ball was hit due to fitness concerns.
An exhibition knock-up with Roberto Bautista Agut in Abu Dhabi last week ended in a 6-2 loss but showed no obvious signs of injury.
Murray’s first match was pencilled in to be against the American Ryan Harrison but he has withdrawn 48 hours in advance.
On Decemeber 27 Murray seemed to make light of his injury worries by commenting on a Twitter poll that 45 per cent of fans doubting he would make it on court in Melbourne.
With a sad-face emoji, he wrote: “Everyone very skeptical on my chances”