Former world champion Andy Murray will return to the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard for the main draw

Tennis star Andy Murray is returning to the tournament, which he thought could be his last. The Australian Open gave the former world No. 1 a wildcard of the main draw, and he returned to the event for the 14th time.

Murray’s last appearance at the Australian Open was in 2019, when he fell to Roberto Bautista Agust in the first round. At the time, 34-year-old Murray was suffering from a permanent hip injury, which he believed could end his career.

“If it was my last game,” said Murray, who has won 46 individual titles and three Grand Slam titles after the game, “it was an amazing way to end.”

Less than a month later, Murray underwent hip replacement surgery in hopes of his death. “the end of my pain.”

Murray has since returned to competitive tennis, rising to number 134 in the ATP Rankings and becoming a finalist for the 2021 ATP Awards of the Year Player of the Year. The Scot recently defeated Rafael Nadal, the 6th and 25th in the world at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Dan Evans, Abu Dhabi, earlier this month.

“I’m really excited to be back at the Australian Open and I’m grateful to Craigi and the team for the opportunity,” Murray said. statement. “I’ve had some great Australian moments playing in front of amazing crowds and I can’t wait to get back on the Melbourne Park court.”

Murray won 48-13 at the Australian Open and has been runner-up five times. He left the event a year ago and almost lost it after being positive at COVID-19.

“Andy is known for his fighting spirit, passion and love for the game,” said Australian Open Championship director Craig Tiley. “I am delighted to welcome the return to Melbourne in January.”

The Australian Open will open on January 17 in Melbourne.