Grand Slam winner Andy Murray is hopeful of competing at the Australian Open in Melbourne next month despite testing positive for coronavirus in the UK. 

Murray is believed to be displaying only mild symptoms.

The 33-year-old is isolating at home. He was due to be on one of 18 charter flights provided by tournament organisers to get players to Australia.

The chances of the Scot being allowed in under quarantine rules are greater now after Tennys Sandgren was given dispensation to travel Down Under from Los Angeles. Sandgren tested positive for Covid-19 last Monday.

The hardcourt showpiece begins on February 8th.

Murray has been runner up at the Australian Open on five occasions.

It was in Melbourne where he broke down in tears two years ago as he contemplated retirement from tennis due to hip problems.