Hip injury forces Murray to withdraw from Brisbane

Madrid, Jan 2: Two-time former champion Andy Murray on Tuesday withdrew from the Brisbane Intertiol tennis tourment with a right hip injury.

The tourment confirmed the absence of the former World No.1, now ranked 16, through a post on its official Twitter account, cancelling his match against Ryan Harrison of the United States on January 4.

“I’m very disappointed. I came here with every intention of making a strong start to the year but sadly my team and I don’t feel that I’m where I need to be just yet to compete at the highest level,” Murray said.

“I have always enjoyed competing in front of the Queensland fans. I look forward to returning in the near future,” the 30-year-old Scot added.

Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, who is set to replace Murray, will face Harrison in the tourment’s round of 16.

Last week, Spain’s Rafael dal, World No.1, withdrew from Brisbane due to a knee injury, which leaves Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov the top seed at the tennis tourment. IANS