Andy Murray, a five-time finalist in Melbourne, broke down in tears in January 2019 after he played what he feared would be his final match as a professional; Murray lost in five sets to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the 2019 tournament
Monday 28 December 2020 09:46, UK
Andy Murray will return to the Australian Open in February after receiving a main-draw wildcard.
The 33-year-old Scot, a five-time finalist in Melbourne, broke down in tears in January 2019 after he played what he feared would be his final match as a professional.
Suffering from chronic hip pain, Murray lost in five sets to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the 2019 tournament.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms.
"As a five-time finalist, he has been an integral part of so many amazing matches and storylines in the recent history of the Australian Open.
"His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get onto the Tour again, will be a highlight of AO 2021.
"We wish him all the best and look forward to seeing him in 2021."
Murray, who is ranked 122nd in the world, has also accepted a wildcard to compete at the ATP event in Delray Beach, Florida, in the first week of January.
The Australian Open is due to begin on February 8 after it was moved back by three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Qualifying for the singles draw of the tournament will be held in Dubai and Doha between January 10-13.
Murray will begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament, the men's tour said on Saturday.
The former world No 1 will join defending champion Reilly Opelka, top-ranked American John Isner and Canada's Milos Raonic in the Florida field.
The tournament takes place from January 7-13, after being moved from its traditional February slot, and will serve as part of the preparations for the Australian Open Grand Slam, which will begin three weeks later than scheduled on February 8 due to COVID-19 health and safety measures.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, underwent hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017.
The 33-year-old Briton missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the US Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros.
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