Andy Murray considering hip surgery after becoming huge doubt for Australian Open following Brisbane International withdrawal

ANDY MURRAY is considering hip surgery after becoming a huge doubt for the Australian Open following his Brisbane International withdrawal.

The former world No 1 has been sidelined since Wimbledon last year with hip issues.

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And now his problem area appears to be flaring up less than two weeks before the season's first Major begins.

Murray, who did not show up for practice on Tuesday, said: "Sadly my team and I don't feel that I'm where I need to be just yet to compete at the highest level.

"I've obviously been through a really difficult period with my hip for a long time and have sought council [sic] from a number of hip specialists.

"Obviously continuing rehab is one option and giving my hip more time to recover.

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"Surgery is also an option but the chances of a successful outcome are not as high as I would like, which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that.

"However this is something I may have to consider but let's hope not."

Murray will remain Down Under in the hope of competing for his fourth Slam and will "decide by the weekend whether to stay out here or fly home to assess what I do next".

A statement on the Brisbane International's website on Tuesday morning said Murray had pulled out "due to pain in his right hip".

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The latest setback will be a huge blow to double Wimbo champ Murray, who on Sunday said he felt in great shape at the start of the new season.

He also indicated he was confident he would play in Brisbane.

Murray, 30, joins top seed and world number one Rafael Nadal, who withdrew from the tournament late last week, on the sidelines.

Murray pulled out of last August's US Open just two days before the start of the tournament.

And his only on-court appearances since then have been in exhibition matches against Roger Federer in November and last Friday's one-set defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut.