ANDY MURRAY is out of the Australian Open because of a pelvic injury.
And it leaves Tim Henmans ATP Cup plans in jeopardy ahead of the new, money-spinning event which starts on Friday.
The Scot has been denied an emotional return to Melbourne in the New Year 12 months after he broke down in tears over his hip nightmare.
The 32-year-old hurt his pelvis during the Davis Cup in Madrid and it has not cleared up as quickly as he had hoped.
Muzza, the world No.125, was scheduled to fly Down Under on Friday (Dec 27) but postponed his flight on the advice of his backroom team.
It was decided not to rush him back particularly in five-set matches in intense OZ heat and he will continue to hit on-court and build up his fitness.
Sources close to his camp dont want to give any specific timeline on his recovery.
But he could return for the ATP Montpellier event or Rotterdam Open in February with the Dubai Tennis Championships a possible option.
The former world No.1 will have to manage carefully his 2020 schedule as he continues his return to full fitness after career-saving hip resurfacing surgery.
Britain are set to face Bulgaria on January 3 in Sydney in the pool stages of the inaugural ATP Cup.
After losing his main man, GB captain Henman, 45, faces a dilemma about whether to bring in an additional player to the squad which consists of Dan Evans, Cameron Norrie, Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury.
Kyle Edmund, the former British No.1, would be the obvious replacement but he is set to play in Doha the same week.
Murray’s last Grand Slam singles appearance was a five-set defeat to Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut and after the loss he was shown tributes videos from the leading tennis stars.
It was thought Murray was finished as a pro player but the insertion of a metal hip implant during a London operation has breathed new life into his career.
