Andy Murray was on a course to resume his professional career at Brisbane International, Australia just in time to get some traction prior to the Australian Open. But, one of the most anticipated comebacks reached an abrupt end when Andy Murray decided to postpone his comeback bid. Still struggling with a chronic hip issue, the Brit ranked 16th in the world at the time posted an emotional and explicit message on his official Facebook page.

The bad news kept on coming as Andy Murray canceled the entire Aussie campaign including the Australian Open. A five-time runner-up at Melbourne Park, the Brit joins Kei Nishikori in the luxury boxes of the ATP stars to miss this year's edition.

Some drastic measures loom ahead

Aged 30, Andy Murray will see his ranking plummeting. Currently ranked 16th in the world, he is doomed to face a complete meltdown. Murray will travel back to England to make some crucial decisions regarding his future as a pro tennis player. Murray took a half-season break to give a proper healing period to that hip issue.

But, without surgery, the problem seems to persist, raising questions about his future as a top tennis player.

With no official match since last July under his belt, the two-time Olympic gold medalist has to face the possibility of an even longer hiatus from the sport. If he does go with the surgical approach, that will translate into several more months of absence from the tennis courts.

It's fair to say that Andy Murray sits at a crossroad of his professional career. From this point on, every single decision might have serious implications for the future. And, for the first time in his career, Murray can feel the end approaching.

Andy Murray and the special bond with the sport he likes the most

A long and detailed post on his official Facebook page gave some insights of how Murray feels about tennis. In order to remain in touch with it, he needs to take some drastic measures. Therefore, for the first time, a hip surgery is on the table, and despite being his best option, it can also shorten his time left as a professional tennis player. When it comes to these types of issues, there are no certainties.

It's hard to predict how 2018 will turn out for Andy Murray. Optimistically speaking, if he decides to go for surgery, he may aim for a mid-season comeback with a focus on 2018 Wimbledon Championships. Playing in front of a home crowd and in a place where he encountered the biggest successes of his career can work as a starting point for any future challenge.