By Erik Gudris / November 1, 2013

 

Andy Murray says he will not compete at the upcoming Australian Open unless he is 100% fit after recent back surgery.

Photo Credit: EPA

Andy Murray won't rule out missing the upcoming Australian Open next January unless he feels he is 100% healthy.

The reigning Wimbledon champion recently began rehab after undergoing surgery to correct a disc problem he suffered throughout 2013, an issue that forced him to withdraw from this year's French Open.

Murray had surgery just after the US Open, where he lost in the quarterfinals to Stanislas Wawrinka. His recovery required him to skip the rest of the season, including next week's ATP World Tour Finals.

"You don't come back just to play a match," Murray said about making his return to action next January. "If I come back I want to be in the shape to win it."

A three-time finalist at Melbourne, Murray plans to spend the rest of the year training and going through rehab. He is expected to compete at an exhibition in Barbados at the end of November.

"If there are some setbacks, then I am not going to rush back. I'd love to be able to play a match or two in Barbados, but I'll have a better idea of that in 10 days or two weeks," Murray said.