Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray continues his hip recovery process as he has pulled out of the upcoming China Open in Beijing, as well as from the Shanghai Masters. The two Chinese events will be getting a new champion as Murray went all the way at both tournaments a year ago. The Scot, who lost the No. 1 ranking to Spain's Rafa Nadal just recently, is due to experience a further rankings drop since he will be losing 1500 points for not defending his titles in Beijing and Shanghai.
Murray has also strongly hinted that Wimbledon could very well end up being his last tournament of the season.
Murray hasn't played since losing in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon to Sam Querrey. Murray, the 2016 champion of Vienna and Paris Masters, claimed in a released statement that he is "unlikely" to play at those two tournaments as well.
Murray looking at the bigger picture
Murray clearly wanted to play, but was eager not to let his heart speak over his mind and potentially jeopardize his future. The 30-year-old, who turned professional in 2004, doesn't have many years left on Tour. However, the world No. 2 insists his desire is to make the most out of the remaining time.
Not being fully healthy took a toll on Murray's on-court performances in 2017. Earlier this year, Murray battled with shingles and an elbow injury.
Murray will have finished the season without a Grand Slam title and most likely without any Masters 1000 glory captured. The Scot made it all the way only once this season -- at the ATP 500 class event in Dubai.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam Champion, would love to add more Major titles to his name. The Scot ended champion twice at Wimbledon and once at the US Open.
He needs to win it all at the Australian Open and French Open in order to complete a Career Grand Slam.
Murray's decision was made after consulting ''with a number of leading hip specialists.''
"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,'' Murray confessed.
Murray back to Brisbane
Meanwhile, Murray has revealed that he will be kicking off the 2017 season at Brisbane International. Murray, who took it all in Brisbane in 2012 and 2013, is set to make his third appearance at the event. The Scot will be bidding to make it three-out-of-three in Brisbane before he enters the opening Grand Slam of the season Australian Open.
"I will be beginning my 2018 season in Brisbane in preparation for the Australian Open," Murray said.
