MELBOURNE (REUTERS) - Former world No. 1 Andy Murray has pulled out of the Australian Open after failing to recover from a hip injury, tournament organisers said on Thursday (Jan 4).

The three-time Grand Slam winner has not played a competitive match since a Wimbledon quarter-final loss last July and despite coming through a one-set exhibition in Abu Dhabi last week, the Briton has decided to focus on rehabilitation.

"Sadly I won't be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete," Murray, a five-time Australian Open runner-up, said in a statement.

"I'll be flying home shortly to assess all the options but I appreciate all the messages of support and I hope to be back playing soon."

The first Grand Slam of the year begins on Jan 15 at Melbourne Park.