1ST GRAND SLAM OF THE YEAR GETS POORER

The Australian Open 2020 was being labelled as one of the most promising Grand Slams in recent times. The NextGen is finally leaving his mark, and we could see a 1st time Slam winner out of that group in the upcoming season, as Tsitsipas, Zverev, Medvedev and Thiem are looking poised for a great year. Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray, two players that intruded between Djokovic, Federer and Nadal during the last few years for Grand Slam honours, had come off a very good comeback year last season and were expected to make some noise in Melbourne. Adding this group of players to the Big 3 and you have a very strong field, discounting some possible dark horses that could be included as well.

Fast forward to now and Andy Murray already withdrew from the tournament due to a nagging pelvic injury, a problem that will keep him out until February when he’ll make his return in Montpellier. The British could have ended up losing in the first rounds, but just his presence and the possibility of every spectator to watch him compete in a Grand Slam after his injury was something that everyone was looking forward to.

Andy Murray is out of the ATP Cup and the Australian Open.



He’s been on court in the last week, but his pelvic injury hasn’t cleared up as quickly as hoped, and he doesn’t want to rush back.



He won’t travel to Australia but will keep hitting and building up fitness in January. — The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) December 28, 2019

Kei Nishikori is another player who already withdrew from next year’s Australian Open as well. The Japanese was dealing with an elbow injury since the US Open, the last tournament he took part in, being the latest player to announce his decision. As Murray, Kei Nishikori was a player the fans are always looking to see on the Australian courts, but unfortunately, his career has been plagued by injuries these last couple of years.

Kei Nishikori, who turns 30yo today, withdraws from the ATP Cup and AusOpen. Still recovering from his elbow surgery. Doesn't play since the US Open and doesn't play healthy since Roland Garros.



Kei is defeding 630 points in january & will leave the top 20. — José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 30, 2019

The ATP Cup is scheduled to start in a few days, and hopefully, no one has any major setback or injury in order to make their presence felt at Australia. Reports about Juan Martin del Potro surfaced about a possible withdrawal as well, but at the moment, he’s set to play in the first Grand Slam of the year with a protected ranking. If he were to miss the tournament, it would be undoubtedly another big loss for the 2020 Australian Open.