'Fantastic': Tennis world erupts over Andy Murray announcement
Tennis fans have taken to social media in response to the news that former US Open champion Andy Murray has been given direct entry into the main draw of the year's final grand slam.
Murray - who had hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019 and slid down the rankings to world No.105 - was originally hoping for a wildcard to the American major but has benefited from the withdrawal of Stan Wawrinka.
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The three-time grand slam singles champion gets the nod to compete at Flushing Meadows after Wawrinka pulled out to continue his recovery from foot surgery.
Murray, 34, returned to the tour in June after a three-month absence because of a groin problem and reached the third round at Wimbledon.
He withdrew from the Tokyo Olympic singles with a strained right quadriceps, ending his plans of a third straight gold.
Murray did play doubles for Great Britain at the Games, reaching the quarter-finals with Joe Salisbury.
The Brit won the first of his three career grand slam titles at the 2012 US Open.
News of Murray's US Open inclusion has left social media buzzing, with fans relishing of seeing the popular former champion at another major.
Andy Murray 🇬🇧 into the main draw of the US Open without having to qualify or wait for a wildcard. Nice
— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) August 9, 2021
No Stan Wawrinka at the US Open. Andy Murray into the draw. #USOpen https://t.co/rpwWThYPwy
— Tony Fairbairn (@fairbairntony8) August 9, 2021
𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 news for @andy_murray! 🇬🇧🙌
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) August 9, 2021
Andy Murray into the main draw of the US Open with Stan Wawrinka’s withdrawal. Murray won the 2012 title at Flushing Meadows.
— Howard Fendrich (@HowardFendrich) August 9, 2021
Stan Wawrinka out of the 2021 US Open... Andy Murray is in!
— Randy Walker (@TennisPublisher) August 9, 2021
Congrats 👏
— Spencer Chinyama (@SChinyana) August 9, 2021
Some good news though: Stan Wawrinka's exit has paved the way for Andy Murray to get direct entry into the US Open.
1st non-wildcard/PR Slam entry since the hip surgery. And judging from his Wimbledon performance, a real chance at climbing further up (draw permitting, of course).— Musab (@Musab_Abid) August 9, 2021
Andy Murray officially into the main draw at US Open with Wawrinka withdrawal #ATP #USOpen
— John Horn (@SportsHorn) August 9, 2021
Stan Wawrinka recovering from surgery
Murray is back in grand slam action at Flushing Meadows after wondering aloud what the future might hold for him following a third round Wimbledon loss last month.
"There is a part of me that feels a bit like I have put in so much work the last three months and, ultimately, didn't play how I would want and expect. And it's like: Is it worth it?" Murray said at Wimbledon.
Switzerland's Wawrinka, who captured the last of his three career grand slam titles at the 2016 US Open, withdrew as he nurses his recovering foot.
The 36-year-old former World No.3 underwent an operation on his left foot this year and has not played on the tour since an opening round defeat at the Qatar Open in March.
The US Open runs from August 30-September 12.
with AAP
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