Andy Murray is the latest high-profile withdrawal from the Brisbane International, joining Rafael Nadal and top women's seed Garbine Muguruza on the sidelines, according to reports. The 30-year-old has been troubled by an ongoing hip complaint. The three-time grand slam winner made the decision to withdraw from the tournament on Tuesday afternoon.
Murray's withdrawal is a bitter blow for tournament directors who already lost Nadal before the event through injury, while number one women's seed Muguruza retired in her opening match after suffering severe cramps.
"It's disappointing that Andy can't continue. It's disappointing for him because I know how much he wanted to play here as well," tournament director Cameron Pearson told the ABC.
"I had a long chat with him and he's really looking forward to getting his body right and playing in Melbourne."
Murray said he was "very disappointed" not to be playing in Brisbane.
"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," Murray said in a statement.
"I have great memories of playing here in Brisbane and I have always enjoyed competing in front of the Queensland fans, so look forward to returning in the near future."
Australian Bernard Tomic also pulled out of the Brisbane International's qualifying tournament.
The tournament was meant to be the scene of Murray's comeback after missing the second half of 2017 because of his hip problem.
But the Scotsman conceded his expectations "weren't massively high" due to a lack of match fitness.
On Monday, he took to the practice courts with Canadian Milos Raonic, where Murray was put through his paces during a scratch match.
