Andy Murray says he will only play in January's Australian Open if he is fit enough to win the tournament.
According to BBC Sport, the Wimbledon champion has begun rehabilitation work following an operation on his back last month.
Recovery from the surgery to address a disc problem has prevented Murray from appearing at the ATP World Tour Finals in London in November.
"You don't come back just to play a match," said Murray. "If I come back I want to be in the shape to win it."
The Scot has finished as runner-up three times in Melbourne, losing the 2013 final in four sets to Novak Djokovic.
"I'd be disappointed to miss the Australian Open because its a Grand Slam it's a tournament all the players want to play in," added the 26-year-old.
"I can look at this in a lot of positive ways, if I do get myself ready for it I will have had a long lead up and training block to get myself in the best possible shape."
