"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"
Thursday 4 January 2018 10:55, UK
Andy Murray admits he is considering surgery to try and resolve the hip injury that has forced him to postpone the start to his 2018 season.
Murray has not played competitively since being knocked out of Wimbledon in July and was forced to withdraw from the Brisbane International on Tuesday.
In a post on his Instagram page, Murray said: "I've been going through a really difficult period with my hip and have sought council [sic] from a number of hip specialists.
"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 and 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."
Murray confirmed he would stay in Australia while he decides whether to compete in the Australian Open. The first grand slam of the year begins on January 15.
The 30-year-old also opened up on the emotional struggle of his injury, saying: "I would give anything to be back out there. 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 and it's not at the level you need it to be to compete at this level."
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