By Mike McIntyre
As the 2017 tennis season closed on the ATP World Tour there was a sense of optimism among fans that we would see the top players in the world healthy for the start of the New Year and ready to renew the exciting battles that we have come to expect over the past decade. Last season was dominated by two players - Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - who remarkably shared the four Grand Slams. Injuries took their toll on the other major contenders, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka who all missed the U.S. Open and the remainder of the season as they tried to mend from their respective ailments. As the 2018 season begins however, it seems like their bodies are not quite ready for competition and there is no firm indication of when they might be able to resume consistent play. Add Nadal to that list as the Spaniard is still dealing with a knee injury and you have what is shaping-up to be a very wild and unpredictable first Slam of the year in Melbourne later this month.
Andy Murray filled-in for Djokovic last week at the Mubadala World Tennis Classic in Abu Dhabi where he was beaten by Roberto Bautista Agut - a player he had never previously dropped a set to - 6-2. Murray's movement seemed limited which sparked talk of whether he would be able to play this week in Brisbane where he was the No. 2 seed. Sure enough, as the event neared, Murray withdrew citing on-going issues with his hip. In an emotional message that he shared with fans on his Instagram Account Murray revealed that surgery was a possibility - but not one that guaranteed any improvements.
"Surgery is also an option," Murray wrote, "but the chances of a successful outcome are not as I high as I would like which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that. However this is something I may have to consider but let's hope not."
On Thursday, Murray officially pulled-out of the Australian Open that is set to begin on January 15th. Aussie Open tournament director Craig Tiley reacted by saying the following about the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, "We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and that he's done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer. Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it."
The 30 year-old Murray played through the pain last year until Wimbledon where he fell in five sets to American Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals. It was remarkable he was even able to achieve that result given the circumstances. It is troubling that six months later he has still not been able to make enough progress to play more than a one set exhibition match. With all the rest and rehabilitation he is still not able to perform without discomfort.
Andy Murray is one of the most well respected players on the Tour. Not only due to his incredible career accomplishments which include three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic Gold medals, but also for his leadership and willingness to speak-out against any perceived injustice he sees on the professional circuit - both men's and women's. Hopefully Murray is able to find the right solution to allow him to continue his passion of playing tennis and fans can see him back on a tennis court soon.
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