Andy Murray wild card return to Australian Open “will be a highlight”
Andy Murray has accepted a wild card into the 2021 Australian Open, a tournament that the Scot unofficially retired at two years ago.
Murray, whose ranking has dropped to 122 in the world after recurring hip problems and multiple surgeries, is looking to restart his career at February’s delayed Australian Open, where the five-time finalist hinted at an early retirement in 2019.
Tournament director Craig Tiley said, “We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms.
“His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get on to the tour again, will be a highlight of [Australian Open] 2021.”
The Scot has looked sharp in an extended preseason training block – courtesy of the delayed Australian swing of tournaments due to quarantining restrictions – while competing at the Battle of the Brits Exhibition tournament in London.
Murray defeated both the British number one, Dan Evans, and number three, Cameron Norrie, in straight sets at the tournament, and has taken a wildcard into the Delray Beach 250 event in January to continue his preparations.
“As a five-time finalist he has been an integral part of so many amazing matches and storylines in the recent history of the Australian Open,” Tiley continued.
“We wish him all the best and look forward to seeing him.”
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