Andy Murray handed wild card for Aussie Open
Sports
Andy Murray has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open.
PARIS (AFP) - Former men s tennis world number one Andy Murray has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open, organisers announced on Thursday praising him for his "fighting spirit".
The 34-year-old is ranked a lowly 134 as he battles to recover consistently good form after persistent injury problems.
However, towards the end of last season he recorded two top-10 triumphs over Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz and Italy s Jannik Sinner.
He showed some form too in beating compatriot Dan Evans and another former world number one Rafael Nadal in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week.
"Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard," tweeted Craig Tiley the CEO of the Australian Open.
"Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.
"We can t wait to see you at #AO2022."
Murray has three Grand Slam titles to his name -- winning Wimbledon twice in 2013 and 2016 and the 2016 US Open -- but the Australian Open has eluded him despite reaching the final five times.
The Australian Open runs from January 17 to 30.
