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Andy Murray and Kim Clijsters handed US Open wildcards

Andy Murray and Kim Clijsters look set to end long absences from the Grand Slam stage after secur...



Andy Murray and Kim Clijsters...
Other Sports

Andy Murray and Kim Clijsters handed US Open wildcards

Andy Murray and Kim Clijsters look set to end long absences from the Grand Slam stage after securing wildcards to this year's US Open. 

Murray's last outing at one of tennis' big four tournaments was a first round exit at the hands of Roberto Bautista-Agut at the 2019 Australian Open.

He's flirted with retirement as the result of multiple hip injuries, but now seems to be approaching full fitness again at the age of 33.

While Clijsters - out of retirement for a second time - hasn't played a Grand Slam since her second round exit at Flushing Meadows in 2012.

Both players are previous US Open winners, with Murray winning his first Grand Slam in the year of Clijsters' last appearance.

While the Belgian is a three-time champion in New York.

They're the only non-Americans to receive wildcards this year.

The seven other women making the cut are Usue Arconada, CiCi Bellis, Francesca Di Lorenzo, Caroline Dolehide, Ann Li, Robin Montgomery and Whitney Osuigwe.

Montgomery is the youngest wildcard recipient, aged just 15.

While Ulises Blanch, Maxime Cressy, Sebastian Korda, Thai-Son Kwiatkowski, Michael Mmoh, Brandon Nakashima and JJ Wolf.

This year's US Open is due to get underway behind closed doors on August 31, and with strict medical protocols in place.

However, it's been beset by some major withdrawals in recent weeks.

Women's world no.1 Ashleigh Barty confirmed she would be unwilling to take a chance on travelling to New York.

While defending men's champion Rafa Nadal cited the "complicated" nature of the COVID-19 pandemic as his reason for pulling out.

Men's world no.1 Novak Djokovic is due to decide on his participation in the coming days.

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Andy Murray Flushing Meadows Kim Clijsters Tennis US Open Wimbledon