Covid-19: Australian Open hints Murray won't be able to play after positive test

Andy Murray will not be able to compete in the Australian Open following his positive test for the coronavirus, the tournament's organisers have hinted.

Murray still aiming to travel despite covid-19 positive test

Murray, a five-time finalist at the Australian Open, remains in good health and is isolating at home. The three-time grand slam winner is still hoping to play and travel to Melbourne later than planned.

Australian Open statement casts doubt on Murray involvement

However, a statement from the Australian Open cast serious doubt on his involvement, with Murray – ranked 123rd in the world – having initially been granted a wildcard to play.

The statement read: "Andy Murray has advised that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at home in the UK.

"Unfortunately, this means that he will be unable to join the official AO charter flights arriving in Australia in the coming days to go through the quarantine period with the other players.

"The AO fans love Andy, and we know how much he loves competing here in Melbourne and how hard he'd worked for this opportunity."

Tournament gets underway on 8 February

The first grand slam of the year is starting three weeks later than it normally would on 8 February due to the complications of players flying into Australia amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Australian Open is putting on 15 chartered flights, which will operate at 25 per cent capacity, to bring players to the tournament.

Before boarding, competitors must test negative and will undergo a series of tests once in the country, while undergoing a 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne.

It was after a first-round defeat at the Australian Open two years ago that Murray stated his career might be over due to an ongoing hip injury.