Andy Murray pulls out of Australian Open with hip injury

The 30-year-old boarded a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne on Thursday, but his ultimate destination will be London and not the Australian Open, the BBC reports.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon last year and has not managed to recover from his persistent hip injury.

With the Australian Open beginning on January 15, Murray has simply not been able to recover in time for the first Slam of the year.

"Sadly I won't be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete," Murray said.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and that he's done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer.

"Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it."

The confirmation of Murray's withdrawal comes after he posted an emotional Instagram message to fans explaining his decision to pull out of ATP Brisbane.

The emotive note and childhood photo led many to speculate that he would withdraw from the Australian Open, and so it has now proved.

Murray's most recent match was a one-set exhibition against Roberto Bautista Agut in Abu Dhabi last week and he will now get back to working on his rehabilitation in the UK.