Two years after his emotional press conference where he declared the 2019 Australian Open may be the last tournament of his career, Andy Murray will return to Melbourne Park.for next year's tournament, along with Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Murray underwent hip surgery in early 2019, and has made a remarkable return to the game, recording a win over US Open finalist Alexander Zverev at the"As a five-time finalist, he has been an integral part of so many amazing matches and storylines in the recent history of the Australian Open," tournament director Craig Tiley said.
"His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get onto the tour again, will be a highlight of AO 2021." The 33-year-old Murray, who was a beaten finalist in Melbourne in 2010, 11, 13, 15 and 16, has won three grand slam titles during his career., with a five-set first round win over Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka.
Kokkinakis, who missed this year's tournament with glandular fever, is another to be awarded direct entry into the main draw.
He has retired more times that john farnham