Australian Open 2018 Preview

Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori have withdrawn from the Australian Open due to injuries

The two biggest withdrawals from the men’s draw so far are Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori. Murray, a five-time finalist, will not participate due to the hip injury which caused him to call time on his 2017 season after losing at Wimbledon. Nishikori has not played since a wrist injury forced him to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open.

Defending champion, Serena Williams, has withdrawn

In the women’s draw Serena Williams has withdrawn as she does not feel she is at a stage where she can give 100 per cent. Serena has not played a competitive match since she won the 2017 Australian Open, following her pregnancy and the September birth of her baby.

Let’s run down some big names left in the men’s side.