The build-up to the first grand slam of the year has been dominated by the news of Andy Murray’s pending retirement from the sport.

The former world number one has been suffering with a chronic hip condition for the past 18 months.

Murray gave an emotional press conference at Melbourne Park on Friday morning where he conceded the fact that he couldn’t continue playing tennis for much longer.

Within the surprise announcement Murray announced his intention to finish his career at Wimbledon in the summer, the venue of two of his three grand slam titles.

SW19 holds some of Murray’s greatest memories, in 2013 he defeated Novak Djokovic to end a 76-year wait for a British male to win the Wimbledon championships.

He then clinched his second title with a straight-sets victory over Milos Raonic in 2016.

Furthermore, Murray also won Olympic gold at SW19 in the Men’s singles at London 2012 as well as a silver medal in the mixed doubles.

However, the Scot’s dream of ending his career at a place that has given him so much success has suffered another setback.

The 31-year-old’s surgeon has revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live that it will be very difficult for the Scot to continue playing until Wimbledon.

Speaking on their sportsweek programme, Dr John O’Donnell said: “I don't think it is impossible, but it will be very difficult," per the Evening Standard.

"He has tried really hard and explored every option that has any real possibility of being helpful.

"Realistically I don't think there is anywhere else to go to preserve his hip and get it better so he can continue to play. That won't happen now."

The news won’t be music to Murray’s ears who struggled to keep himself together when breaking the news ahead of his Australian Open campaign.

Murray did admit he may have to consider more surgery on the hip and spoke of conversations he has had with doubles specialist, Bob Bryan who went through a similar procedure.

All eyes though will be on Murray when he steps out to face Roberto Bautista-Agut in round one of the Aussie Open at around 7am UK time on Monday morning.

It remains to be seen whether this could be the last tournament of Murray’s illustrious career.