Former World No 1 Andy Murray has opted out of the Australian Open as he could not find a ‘workable quarantine’ ahead of the first major of the season.
Murray has reportedly recovered from the novel virus and was finished with his self-isolation period.
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Australia has a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for all international travelers. Murray would have to reach in Melbourne by Saturday if he was to undergo the required quarantine and play the Australian Open, scheduled for a February 8 start.
“Gutted to share that I won’t be flying out to Australia to compete at the Australian Open,” Murray said.
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“We’ve been in constant dialogue with Tennis Australia to try and find a solution which would allow some form of workable quarantine, but we couldn’t make it work. I want to thank everyone there for their efforts, I’m devastated not to be playing out in Australia. It’s a country and tournament that I love.”
A five-time Australian Open finalist, Murray was given a wildcard entry into the Australian Open this year as he is ranked 123 in the world.
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The Brit, however, could not make it on the charter flights arranged by Tennis Australia for the major as he tested positive/
Murray, who was asymptomatic, was unable to come to an agreement over quarantine, despite constructive talks with tournament director Craig Tiley.
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The Australian Open is the latest setback for an injury-plagued Murray.
The 33-year-old has had a few injury problems in the last few years. Two years ago, with his hip still bothering him, Murray had given an emotional press conference saying it could be his final tournament.
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Though he has undergone a hip resurfacing injury since then, he hasn’t quite been able to perform at the highest level. Murray also struggled with a lingering abdominal niggle last year and ended up playing only seven matches in the whole of 2020.
Murray was slated to make a comeback at the Delray Beach ATP event but pulled out of it because he did not want to travel during the pandemic.
