This file photo taken on January 14, 2019, shows Britain's Andy Murray reacts after a point during his men's singles match against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. [Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP]

Andy Murray has pulled out of the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida next week to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open in February.

Murray, who missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, accepted a wildcard for the Jan. 7-13 ATP 250 tournament last week.

The tournament serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open in Melbourne, which will begin three weeks later than scheduled on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 health and safety measures.

"After much deliberation with my team I've decided not to travel to play in Delray Beach," Murray, 33, said on Thursday.

Britain's Andy Murray in action in his Men's Doubles tennis match with partner Brazil's Marcelo Melo against Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah of Colombia, during day three of the Nature Valley International at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, England, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. [Steven Paston/PA via AP]

"Given the increase in COVID rates and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to minimise the risks ahead of the Australian Open."

READ MORE

 Why US is experiencing largest measles outbreak

 From wagging tails to healthy tales: How pets improve mind and body

 From Monkey pox, Covid-19 and Nipah virus: Why animal-to-human diseases are on the rise

 EAC launches first regional framework to strengthen pandemic preparedness

Murray, a former world number one and three-times Grand Slam champion, underwent hip resurfacing surgery in January last year and has slipped to 122nd in the rankings after playing only seven matches this year.