Andy Murray’s brother Jamie has given Australian fans hope the former world No.1 may return in 2021, following his withdrawal from this summer’s tournaments.

The three-time grand glam champion this week announced he would miss the inaugural ATP Cup tournament and the Australian Open with a pelvic injury he suffered at the Davis Cup Finals last month.

Since his injury-marred Australian Open in January, 32-year-old Murray has battled his way back from hip surgery and won the European Open in Antwerp in October.

He was scheduled to play for Great Britain in their ATP Cup group in Sydney.

“He was desperate to come and be a part of it and compete, it’s great preparation for the Australian Open in a couple of weeks time,” older brother Jamie Murray said in Sydney on Monday.

“Obviously it was disappointing that Andy wasn’t fit enough to come and play.

“For the team it’s a big loss and for the event as well. He’s a huge player in the game.”

While there has been speculation about how long Murray will continue playing, multiple Grand Slam doubles winner Jamie suggested his sibling was a chance of returning to Australia next year.

“Yeah I think so. I think he was unlucky this year, with his injury not clearing up in time,” he said.

“:He wasn’t able to do the preparation that he needed to come and compete at this level, but fingers crossed for next year.

“Tennis-wise I don’t think that’s really an issue, and I think he showed that toward the back end of this year with some of the wins he had.

“It’s just whether his body will allow him to compete at that level, day in day out, and fingers crossed that will happen.”

Great Britain will still field a competitive team in Sydney, with improving singles players Daniel Evans and Cameron Norrie ranked 42 and 53 respectively, and Murray and Joe Salisbury both ranked just outside the top 20 in doubles.