Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray is unlikely to play again on the tour this season after withdrawing from next month’s Paris Masters in Bercy.
Murray hasn’t played a match since his quarter-final loss at the Wimbledon championships. Since then, the Brit has been trying to overcome a hip injury that has hindered him. In recent months he has travelled to Switzerland to seek guidance on the best way to combat the problem. Last month he indicated that it was ‘likely’ that he wouldn’t play a match again this year when confirming his withdrawal from two tournaments in Asia.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in the upcoming events in Beijing and Shanghai, and most likely, the final two events to finish the season in Vienna and Paris due to my hip injury which has been bothering me the last few months.” Murray wrote in a statement.
“Having consulted with a number of leading hip specialists over the last week, along with my own team, we have decided that this is the best decision for my long-term future.
“Although this has been a frustrating year on court for many reasons, I’m confident after this extended period of rest and rehabilitation that I will be able to reach my best level again and be competing for Grand Slam titles next season.”
The decision to end his season early means Murray’s sole title of the year was at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Completing 2017 with a win-loss of 25-10, it is the first time that Murray has only managed to win one title in a season since 2006.
Planned return
Murray is scheduled to return to the tour next year at the Brisbane International, which will start on January 1st. He is a two-time champion of the tournament, last winning the title in 2013.
“Starting the year in Australia sets you up in the best possible way for a strong season and I’m excited to start my next three there. I love coming to Australia and the Brisbane tournament always has a strong field. I’m confident it will help me prepare for the Australian Open,” said Murray.
Whilst there is still no comment from the former world No.1 over his future plans, the director of the Australian Open recently told reporters that he has already started training for 2018. Craig Tiley said he was confident that the Brit will participate in the upcoming grand slam tournament in Melbourne.
“I can tell you that in talking to Andy, he has been training and he is preparing for having a great year in 2018. How much would this year have hurt him, to watch over the entire year Roger and Rafa share four grand slam titles – he would not have like that.” Said Tiley.
“As competitive as Andy is, we know he’s back and he’ll want to improve his current ranking of number three in the world and getting back to number one.”
Despite ending his season, Murray will be back on the court next month. On November 7th he is expected to take on Roger Federer in a charity exhibition at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow. The night is in aid of Unicef and a yet-to-be named Scottish charity.
