Andy Murray pulls out of Australian Open, hounded by hip problem

MELBOURNE: Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Australian Open two days after pulling out of a tuneup tournament in Brisbane because of a lingering right hip problem.
Organizers confirmed Thursday that the five-time Australian Open finalist would not be playing at the season’s first major, which starts January 15 in Melbourne.
“Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,” Murray was quoted as saying. “I’ll be flying home shortly to assess all the options.”
Former No. 1-ranked Murray, a three-time major winner, has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon.
In a heartfelt social media post earlier in the week after withdrawing from the Brisbane International, the 30-year-old Murray contemplated surgery as an option after failing to overcome the pain with rest and rehabilitation.