Murray to play in Sydney Classic

Murray’s preparations for the year’s opening Grand Slam, however, began on a losing note.

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray has been handed a wildcard into the main draw of next week’s Sydney Tennis Classic, organisers said on Friday.

The 34-year-old Briton, who has slipped to 134th in the world rankings after long injury lay-offs due to hip surgery, was also handed a main draw wildcard into the Australian Open, which starts in Melbourne on Jan. 17.

Murray’s preparations for the year’s opening Grand Slam, however, began on a losing note when he lost to Argentina’s world number 76 Facundo Bagnis in the first round of the Melbourne Summer Series earlier this week.