Hip injury forces Murray to withdraw from Brisbane

Madrid Jan 2 (IANS) Two-time former champion Andy Murray on Tuesday withdrew from the Brisbane International tennis tournament with a right hip injury.

The tournament confirmed the absence of the former World No.1 now ranked 16 through a post on its official Twitter account cancelling his match against Ryan Harrison of the United States on January 4 reports Efe.

"I m very disappointed. I came here with every intention of making a strong start to the year but sadly my team and I don t feel that I m where I need to be just yet to compete at the highest level " Murray said.

"I have always enjoyed competing in front of the Queensland fans. I look forward to returning in the near future " the 30-year-old Scot added.

Germany s Yannick Hanfmann who is set to replace Murray will face Harrison in the tournament s round of 16.

Last week Spain s Rafael Nadal World No.1 withdrew from Brisbane due to a knee injury which leaves Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov the top seed at the tennis tournament.

--IANS
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