Andy Murray out of Australian Open after positive COVID-19 test

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and, as a result, was unlikely to play in the Australian Open even though the start of the tournament was pushed back to Feb. 8 due to the health crisis. 

The former World No. 1 confirmed on Friday that he won't travel to Melbourne because he is unable to complete the quarantine imposed by tournament officials and the country. 

"Gutted to share that I won't be flying out to Australia to compete at the Australian Open," Murray said on Friday, per D'Arcy Maine of ESPN. "We've been in constant dialogue with Tennis Australia to try and find a solution which would allow some form of workable quarantine, but we couldn't make it work." 

Murray added: "I'm devastated not to be playing out in Australia. It's a country and tournament that I love." 

Murray is a five-time Australian Open finalist but missed last year's tournament because of injury. He had been granted a wild-card entry for the 2021 event.

On Thursday, Spain's Paula Badosa became the first player to test positive for COVID-19 during the mandated quarantine in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open. In total, 72 players were made to enter a "hard quarantine" and lockdown after they were exposed to individuals on charter flights who later tested positive for the coronavirus.