Thursday 7 June 2018 14:16, UK
Andy Murray has pulled out of his planned comeback at Hertogenbosch on Monday - less than a month before Wimbledon begins.
The former world No 1 has not played since he was knocked out of the Wimbledon quarter-finals last July, due to a hip injury.
Murray insists he remains hopeful of returning at this year's tournament, having only returned to the practice court over the last couple of days, Murray faces a race against time to be fit for when Wimbledon starts on July 2.
"It is with regret that I won't be ready to play in Hertogenbosch," he said. "I was excited to play there for the first time, but I am not quite ready to return. I am still aiming to play in the coming weeks, but I want to be 100 per cent when I do return."
Murray underwent hip surgery in Australia in January after pulling out of the Australian Open.
The 31-year-old will make a decision on whether he will enter the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen's Club, which begins on June 18, next week.
Earlier on Tuesday, Murray spoke about the lengthy absence which has seen him lose his position as British No 1 to Kyle Edmund and drop to No 47 in the world.
"It's been very slow, I've been out getting close to a year now which is a lot longer than I expected at the beginning," he said.
"I'm getting closer to playing again, I've started training a few days ago, hoping to make my comeback during the grass court season."
Murray has twice won Wimbledon, in 2013 and 2016, and insists he hopes to be in contention again.
"I'm hoping I'll be there," he added. "Roger Federer has got a phenomenal record on grass, he'll definitely be up there as one of the favourites."
