Andy Murray handed wildcard entry to the Australian Open

Andy Murray had been granted a wildcard entry to next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

The Scot didn’t qualify automatically for the first slam event of the season but, as a five-time runner-up he has been invited to compete once again.

Murray hasn’t competed in Melbourne since 2019, when he said that his hip injury had made continued competitive tennis impossible and that he was likely playing his last tournament.

Since then, surgery to resurface his hip allowed the former world number one to return to events and he has had limited success.

He was expected to play in last year’s Open but tested positive for Covid in the run-up to the event and was unable to satisfy quarantine requirements to compete in Australia.

This year’s wildcard was expected and Murray has been working in preparation for the new season, most recently playing in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi where he beat Dan Evans and then Rafael Nadal before losing to world number five Andrey Rublev.

Murray said: “I’m really excited to be back playing at the Australian Open and grateful to Craig Tiley and the team for the opportunity.

“I’ve had some great times in Australia playing in front of amazing crowds and I can’t wait to step back out on court at Melbourne Park.”

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: “Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.”