- Andy Murray adds an Australian Open wildcard to his Delray Beach wildcard to start his season
- Roger Federer withdraws from the Australian Open
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Andy Murray will start his year with wildcards in Delray Beach and the Australian Open, but Roger Federer pulls out as he recovers from knee surgery.
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Andy Murray ditches Delray wildcard but set for Melbourne
Five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray has had a boost to the start of his season receiving a wildcard for Delray Beach to start the season, and to compete at the Australian Open.
However Murray will now not be heading to Delray Beach as originally planned:
And also of coming into close contact with someone who is positive …. which would also force him into isolation, rather than on the plane to Melbourne.
— Russell Fuller (@russellcfuller) December 31, 2020
Andy Murray statement: “Given the increase in COVID rates and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to minimize the risks ahead of the Australian Open. I’m really thankful for the understanding of the tournament and I look forward to playing there soon.”
— Russell Fuller (@russellcfuller) December 31, 2020
Murray emotionally announced his impending retirement at the 2019 tournament, and after a first-round defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut in a gruelling five-setter, he watched players paying tribute to him in a quickly commissioned farewell video.
Two hip surgeries, and more injury setbacks have made his return stop start, despite winning the title in Antwerp in 2019.
“We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said. “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 scored wins over current British No. 1 Dan Evans and British No. 3 Cameron Norrie at the Battle of the Brits Premier League of Tennis.
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Roger Federer withdraws from the Australian Open
World No. 5 and a six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer has had to withdraw from next year’s tournament. Federer continues to recover from knee surgery during the lockdown, and was racing to be fit and ready in time for the start of the season.
In a statement from Tennis Australia, Tiley said:
“In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he’s very disappointed he won’t be coming to Melbourne in 2021.
“The Australian Open has always held a special place in his heart – remember it was Roger who first called the AO the ‘happy slam’.
“We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.”
READ MORE | Tennis | WTA 2021 Tour Calendar for first seven weeks announced
READ MORE | Tennis | ATP 2021 Tour Calendar announced for Weeks 1-7
The Australian Open will take place between 8-21 February.
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