The news dropped like a lead balloon for Andy Murray. When he tested positive for coronavirus in January, it was looking unlikely that he’d be able to compete at the Australian Open due to the strict quarantine procedures for the tournament, but there was still a glimmer of hope for the Scot that there would be some loophole which would allow him to play. However, it was later announced that Murray would not participate at the tournament, and his chances of competing at the first Grand Slam of the year were dashed.
Murray has had a strange time of things since returning from injury. It’s clear for all to see that he is not the player he once was, and to watch him in major tournaments is to see a ghost of a former great. But one thing he has never lacked is determination, and there is no doubt that Murray will do everything in his power to get back to something like his best, and Grand Slams are the best barometer for judging your position in the game.
That’s why missing out on the Australian Open is a major setback for Murray. Results in the big four events is one of the metrics by which Murray will be judging himself as he seeks to break back into the sport’s elite. It’s impossible to know how well he would have done in Melbourne had he been able to compete, but he was ready for the challenge and was devastated when he found out he couldn’t take part after discussions with tournament organisers.
“We’ve been in constant dialogue with Tennis Australia to try and find a solution which would allow some form of workable quarantine, but we couldn’t make it work,” Murray said. “I want to thank everyone there for their efforts. I’m devastated not to be playing out in Australia. It’s a country and tournament that I love.”
Of course, Murray was by no means one of the tournament favourites in the odds on 2021 Australian Open winners. In fact, the Scot was only granted entry with a wildcard due to the fact that he is so low down in the rankings at the moment. It’s the second time in three years that he’ll have missed the Melbourne Slam, and by the time the Australian Open concludes this year, Murray will have participated in just four of the last 12 Grand Slams.
It’s sad to see his career decline like this, and it’s a shame that this fresh start in 2021 has been set back after he has worked so hard to regain fitness and confidence. Murray will still believe he can win major titles, but the inexorable march of time may prevent him from getting his hands on a fourth Grand Slam title.
In light of missing the Australian Open, it will be even more important for Murray to deliver a strong showing at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. The Scot will be well aware that he isn’t getting any younger, and opportunities to excel on the biggest stage may well be numbered. For now, he’ll have to lick his wounds from this latest disappointment and gear his efforts towards Grand Slam success further down the line.