US Open: Andy Murray gains direct entry into main draw after Stan Wawrinka withdrawal

Andy Murray has gained direct entry into the main draw of the US Open after former champion Stan Wawrinka withdrew because of his ongoing recovery from foot surgery.

Former world No 1 and 2012 champion Murray was the first player on the alternate list after he missed out on the initial main draw field in July.

Wawrinka, champion in 2016 at Flushing Meadows, has not competed since Doha in March.

Murray pulled out of the singles at the Olympics with a minor thigh strain, to focus on the doubles alongside Joe Salisbury as they reached the quarter-finals in Tokyo.

The 34-year-old was given a wildcard last week to compete at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, beginning on August 14.

Murray was knocked out by Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round of the US Open last year in his first Grand Slam tournament since undergoing career-saving hip surgery after the 2019 Australian Open.

The US Open gets underway in New York on August 30.

Djokovic withdraws from Cincinnati

World No 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Western & Southern Open to enhance his chances of securing a calendar Grand Slam.

After winning Wimbledon, the third major of the year, the 34-year-old lost in the bronze medal match in the singles to Pablo Carreno Busta at the Tokyo Olympics before pulling out of the mixed doubles citing a shoulder issue.

The 20-time major singles champion has now opted out of the tournament in Cincinnati, where he is a two-time champion, to focus on preparing for the US Open.

"Dear fans, I wanted to share with you that I am taking a bit longer to recover and recuperate after quite a taxing journey from Australia to Tokyo," Djokovic said on Twitter.

"Sadly, that means I won't be ready to compete in Cincinnati this year so I'll turn my focus and attention to US Open and spend some more time with family. See you in New York soon!"