Australian Open 2020: Andy Murray comeback, schedule

Australian Open officials have confirmed three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray will be back at Melbourne Park 12 months after it was feared they’d seen the last of the British star.

Andy Murray of Great Britain waves to the crowd after being defeated by Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain during day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Monday, January 14, 2019. (AAP Image/Julian Smith) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Three-time grand slam winner Andy Murray’s improbable tennis comeback will continue with a return to the Australian Open this summer.

Murray was farewelled by the Australian public last January in an emotional first-round defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut.

Murray underwent right hip surgery after the tournament, an operation which put his entire future in doubt.

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Australian Open fans feared they’d seen the last of Britain's Andy Murray. Picture: AFP

But he’s made a remarkable return, defeating Juan Ignacio Londero in the first round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday for his fifth tour-level victory since the surgery.

And on Tuesday the Australian Open confirmed Murray would be taking part in the first grand slam event of 2020.

Confirmed: @andy_murray will return to compete at the #AusOpen in 2020. pic.twitter.com/mbdFlAgOZA

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) October 7, 2019

Murray, who won the Shanghai title on his last appearance in 2016, fell behind after two breaks in the first set against Londero on Monday but battled back to win in two hours and 17 minutes.

“Since I came back to play, these are by far the fastest conditions I’ve played in,” said Murray.

“So I struggled early on with my movement. But it was nice to be back and playing here again, get the win and hopefully start the next match quicker.”