Andy Murray considering surgery following Brisbane withdrawal

Andy Murray is considering undergoing hip surgery after withdrawing from the Brisbane International.

The 30-year-old Briton is down to 16th in the world, having not played since July when he lost in a five-set defeat by Sam Querrey at Wimbledon.

The Australian Open starts in Melbourne on 15 January and Murray said he would decide by the weekend whether to stay in Australia or fly home.

He wrote on Instagram that surgery was a "secondary option, something I may have to consider but let's hope not.

"It's quite demoralising that when you get on the court it's not at the level you need it to be to compete at this level. It's really hurting inside."