Andy Murray handed US Open wildcard ahead of August 31 start

Andy Murray has been handed a wildcard for the US Open commencing later in August, the USTA announced on Thursday.

While a number of high-profile names - including Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios and Ashleigh Barty - have withdrawn from the Grand Slam amid coronavirus concerns, Murray has insisted he's "willing to take a risk".

The 33-year-old, who defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2012 US Open final to claim the first of three Grand Slam titles, missed the initial cut for the tournament, now ranked world No 129.

The former world No.1 last played in an official event in the Davis Cup last November, where he beat Tallon Griekspoor in three sets.

Alongside the lengthy lay-off due to the coronavirus pandemic, Murray is also working his way back to full fitness after undergoing two distinct hip operations.

The illustrious tournament will start on August 31 at a behind-closed-doors Flushing Meadows, while Murray will also compete in the Western & Southern Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center the week prior.

The Scot was also handed a wildcard to the ATP Masters 1000 event, scheduled for August 20-28, which will be played in New York - rather than Cincinnati - due to the pandemic.

While Murray hasn't yet played in an official tournament in 2020, he was involved in the Battle of the Brits tournaments in recent weeks, where he was beaten by British No.1 Dan Evans.

Meanwhile, three-time US Open winner Kim Clijsters - who came out of retirement in September of 2019 - also received a wildcard to the New York-based major.

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