Andy Murray pulls out of Delray Beach Open citing COVID-19 issues

Andy Murray has pulled out of the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida subsequent week to cut back the chance of contracting COVID-19 forward of the Australian Open in February.
Murray, who missed a lot of the 2020 season as a result of problems together with his hip and struggled for type on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, accepted a wildcard for the Jan. 7-13 ATP 250 match final week.
The match serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open in Melbourne, which is able to start three weeks later than scheduled on Feb. 8 as a result of COVID-19 well being and security measures.
“After much deliberation with my team I’ve decided not to travel to play in Delray Beach,” Murray, 33, stated on Thursday.
“Given the increase in COVID rates and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to minimise the risks ahead of the Australian Open.”
Murray, a former world primary and three-times Grand Slam champion, underwent hip resurfacing surgical procedure in January final 12 months and has slipped to 122nd within the rankings after enjoying solely seven matches this 12 months.