(Paris) Former world number 1 Andy Murray has received an invitation to participate in the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year (January 17-30), tournament director Craig Tiley announced Thursday.
“Andy is known for his competitive spirit, passion and love for the game and I’m happy to welcome him back to Melbourne in January,” said Craig Tiley on the Australian Open Twitter account.
“I can’t wait to come back to the Australian Open and thank Craig and his team for the opportunity. I had a great time in Australia playing in front of an incredible crowd and I can’t wait to get back on the court in Melbourne Park, ”Murray recalled.
The 34-year-old Scot has never won the Australian Open, but has made five finals in Melbourne (2008, 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2016).
Winner of three Grand Slam titles in his career, the one who reached the world rank in 2016 has been hampered by recurring hip injuries since 2017.
It is now classified at 134e world rank. His last appearance at the Australian Open was in 2019 and he was eliminated in the first round.
Last August, he took part in the United States Open with an invitation and made Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, fourth in the world doubtful for five sets, before losing in the first round.