(CNN) Andy Murray has undergone hip surgery as he bids to save his career.
The three-time grand slam winner had hinted at retirement before going out of the Australian Open in the first round earlier this month as he struggled to deal with ongoing pain from a long-standing hip problem.
"I underwent a hip resurfacing surgery in London yesterday morning ... feeling a bit battered and bruised just now but hopefully that will be the end of my hip pain," he said in an Instagram post Tuesday with a photo of his metal hip.
Speaking ahead of the Australian Open, Murray conceded he could be forced to call time on an illustrious playing career at Wimbledon in July -- if he can make it that far.
In an emotional press conference, Murray said he was unsure whether he could play through the pain "for another four or five months."
"I can play with limitations but having the limitations and the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training," Murray said.
"Wimbledon is where I would like to stop playing but I am not certain I am able to do that.
"Not feeling good. Been struggling for a long time. I'm not sure I can play through the pain for another four or five months.
"Pretty much done everything that I could to try and get my hip feeling better and it hasn't helped loads. I think there is a chance the Australian Open is my last tournament."
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Murray, currently ranked 225th in the world, was beaten in five sets by Roberto Bautista Agut at Melbourne Park before receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
His performance was full of the battling qualities that had endeared so many to Murray, the Briton pushing his body to the brink as only he can.
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Speaking to the crowd after the game, Murray said: "Maybe I'll see you again. I'll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again, I'll need to have a big operation where there are no guarantees I will be able to come back. I will give it my best shot."
Murray initially had surgery on his right hip in January 2018 and has played 15 matches since returning to the sport last June.
He had been scheduled to play in next month's Marseille Open but withdrew from the tournament last week.