Andy Murray pulls out of Cincinnati Masters as hip injury continues to dog world number one

The event represented Murray's final chance for a competitive warm-up before the US Open

Andy Murray has not played since his Wimbledon quarter-final defeat to Sam Querrey (Getty Images)

Andy Murray has pulled out of the upcoming Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati due to an ongoing hip injury but is hopeful he can compete at the US Open next month.

The British world No 1’s insistence that he could still play in New York is a good sign after initial fears his injury could rule him out for the rest of the season.

Murray has not played since his Wimbledon quarter-final defeat to Sam Querrey last month.

"Unfortunately I won't be playing in Cincinnati as I continue my recovery. I always enjoy playing there and I look forward to returning next year,” he said.

"I'm continuing to work hard on the court with the aim of being in New York."

Murray went into the defence of his Wimbledon title with the injury and kept it at bay for the early rounds before visibly struggling against the big-hitting Querrey.

Last week Murray pulled out of the Masters 1000 event in Montreal, and Cincinnati represented his final chance for a competitive warm-up prior to the US Open.

Murray's absence means he could make his return having been usurped as world number one by Rafael Nadal, who will reclaim top spot if he reaches the semi-finals this week.

And the Scot is not the only player feeling the effects of a gruelling season.

Novak Djokovic has already revealed he will sit out the rest of the season with an elbow injury while Stan Wawrinka has also withdrawn from Cincinnati.