Andy Murray pulls out of first tournament of 2018
He's still struggling with a hip injury
Last updated 2nd Jan 2018
Andy Murray's preparations for the Australian Open suffered a setback as he was forced to postpone his comeback due to a long-term hip injury.
Murray was set to make his competitive return at the Brisbane International this week after being sidelined since Wimbledon.
But the British number one withdrew from the tournament on Tuesday due to pain in his right hip.
"I'm very disappointed to be withdrawing from the Brisbane International,'' Murray said on the tournament's website.
"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.''
The Australian Open, the year's first grand slam, starts on January 15.
Writing further about it on Instatram Murray exlained: "Having been recommended to treat my hip conservatively since the US Open I have done everything asked of me from a rehab perspective and worked extremely hard to try get back on the court competing.
"Having played practice sets here in Brisbane with some top players unfortunately this hasn't worked yet to get me to the level I would like so I have to reassess my options.
"Obviously continuing rehab is one option and giving my hip more time to recover. Surgery is also an option 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.
"I didn't realise until these last few months just how much I love this game.
"Every time I wake up from sleeping or napping I hope that it's better and it's quite demoralising when you get on the court it's not at the level you need it to be to compete at this level.