Andy Murray will use next week’s ATP Farmers Classic in California to help him prepare for the fourth major of the year – the US Open (Murray 4/1 Outright) at Flushing Meadows at the end of next month.

The British number one, who has not played since losing to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals at Wimbledon, was handed a wildcard entry into the tournament (Murray 6/5f ATP Farmers Classic – Outright) at the LA Tennis Centre after world number two Novak Djokovic withdrew due to personal reasons.

Tournament director Bob Kramer said: “We were looking forward to Novak making his debut in LA.

“But we’re very fortunate that Andy Murray will be able to join us.”

Murray has been building up his fitness levels in Miami and he will follow up his appearance at the Farmers Classic with outings at the Rogers Cup in Toronto and Cincinnati Masters before the US Open starts on August 30.