Former world No.1 Andy Murray is turning his sights on next season as a hip problem looks set to end his year on the tennis court.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in the upcoming events in Beijing and Shanghai, and most likely, the final two events to finish the season in Vienna and Paris due to my hip injury which has been bothering me the last few months,” Murray wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
“Having consulted with a number of leading hip specialists over the last week, along with my own team, we have decided that this is the best decision for my long-term future.”
Murray enjoyed a stunning 2016 to take over the ATP No.1 ranking in a season which included his second Wimbledon and Olympic titles.
But 2017 proved much harder with form and fitness being absent. He has not played since exiting Wimbledon in the quarter-finals.
“Although this has been a frustrating year on court for many reasons, I’m confident after this extended period of rest and rehabilitation that I will be able to reach my best level again and be competing for grand slam titles next season,” he said.