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Murray awarded wildcard, Federer out of Australian Open
The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut.
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Andy Murray (AFP/Saeed Khan )
B
ritain's former world number one Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for February's Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Sunday while six-time champion Roger Federer has decided to withdrawn from event as he continues to work his way back to fitness from two knee operations earlier this year.
The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut.
"We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms," Tiley said.
"His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get on to the tour again, will be a highlight of AO 2021."
Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray went on to have hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but made his comeback to win the Antwerp title nine months later.
He missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the U.S. Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros.
The 33-year-old will begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament.
Federer last played a competitive match at the season opening grand slam in January before he had to undergo surgery on his knee. He later required a second operation.
The 39-year-old sSwiss, who had been training at his off-season base in Dubai, had told AO organizers that the delayed start to the tournament could benefit him. However, his agent Tony Goldsick told the Associated Press that Federer was not quite ready to return.
"Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," Godsick was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. "He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness.
"However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open."
