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Cape Town - Britain's Andy Murray has posted a picture looking in high spirits following hip surgery in Melbourne.
READ: Tennis elbow, hip and knee: The Australian Open injury list
Murray confirmed on Monday that he would miss this year's Australian Open and is "hoping to return to competitive tennis in time for the grass court season midway through the year" - presumably in time for Wimbledon, where he's won two of his three Grand Slams.
Murray, 30, has not played competitively since being knocked out of the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year.
Murray dislodged Serbia's Novak Djokovic from the top of the rankings towards the end of 2016, but has slipped to 19th in the world due to his lengthy lay-off.
A host of top names are battling to be fit for the first Grand Slam of the year, which starts in Melbourne on Monday, January 15.
Japan's Kei Nishikori has already pulled out and world No 1 Rafael Nadal and six-time Australian Open champion Djokovic remain huge doubts, having yet to play a competitive match this year.
Former champion Stan Wawrinka and Canada's Milos Raonic are also returning from injuries, but intend to play in Melbourne.
On the women's side, Serena Williams is a major absentee, with Victoria Azarenka also missing.
On Monday, Murray took to Facebook to write: A little post op photo. I'm feeling really positive and looking forward to starting rehab. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and support the last few days.. It really helps. And everyone try and find a partner who looks at you the way @jamie_delgado looks at me.
