Murray opts out of Doha to prepare for Oz Open

London, Jan.1 (ANI): British tennis star Andy Murray has decided to skip the tennis tournament in Doha to acclimatise himself for the Australian Open.

The Scot opted out of defending his crown in Qatar to go Down Under and compete at the Hopman Cup in the 40-degree heat of Perth, starting on Monday, reports The Sun.

Murray will link up with Brit girl Laura Robson in the round-robin mixed-team event.

The world No 4 explained: "Going to Doha in the first week of the year, you play every match at night and it is cold. I think this way will work much better." (ANI)