Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray has withdrawn from next week’s Libema Open in s-Hertogenbosch due to a lack of fitness.
The former world No.1 was set to participate in his first tournament in almost a year in the Dutch city. Murray hasn’t played a competitive match since losing in the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Championships last year. He has been sidelined from action due to a hip injury. Twice he tried to stage a comeback to the tour, but failed to do so on both occasions. Following on from that, he decided to undergo surgery on his hip in January.
“It is with regret that I won’t be ready to play in Hertogenbosch. I was excited to play there for the first time, but I am not quite ready to return. I am still aiming to play in the coming weeks, but I want to be 100% when I do return,” Murray said in a statement.
Murray’s announcement comes after reports surfaced that he has returned back to the practice courts. On Monday his mother, Judy confirmed that Murray’s ‘goal’ was to be fit in time for the grass major at SW19. A tournament he hasn’t missed since 2013.
“I’ve been out close to a year now, which is a lot longer than me or any of my team expected, but I’m getting closer to playing again,” explained Murray.
“I’ve started training a few days ago and am hoping to make my comeback during the grass-court season.”
Speaking about Murray’s withdrawal from the Libema Open, tournament director Marcel Hunze hopes that he will play at the tournament in the future. He is yet to play in the Dutch tournament, which is categorised as an ATP 250 event.
“We were looking forward to Andy’s participation. Unfortunately he will not be present this year, but we understand his decision. We have built a good relationship with Andy and his team and we hope this helps to have him play in Rosmalen in the future.” Said Hunze.
It is unclear as to when the 31-year-old will return to action. He remains scheduled to play in the Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen’s Club. Murray has a contract to play at the event for the remainder of his career (if fully fit). The Queen’s tournament will get underway on June 18th. It is also one of the last big event prior to Wimbledon, which will start on July 2nd.
Murray is currently ranked 47th in the world.
