Nov. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Andy Murray, the world’s fourth- ranked tennis player, has signed a “long-term contract” with German sportswear brand Adidas AG.

The agreement will start from January, Adidas spokeswoman Linda Murphy said in an interview today.

“He’s a real up-and-coming star,” Murphy said. “He really embodies what we need in tennis. He’s a fantastic performer.”

Murray, 22, has won 13 ATP World Tour titles in his career. After reaching a career-high No. 2 this summer, he has dropped back to No. 4 after an injury to his left wrist forced him out of playing tournaments in Asia.

“I’m really excited to be joining Adidas as they are a massive global sports brand with a credible heritage in tennis,” Murray said in a joint press release on the Adidas Web site. “Joining a list of stars who have worn the brand, including Muhammad Ali and David Beckham, is an honor. I’m in no doubt that this deal will help me both on and off the court.”

Adidas, the world’s second-largest maker of sporting equipment, is also being endorsed by former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic of Serbia and former top-ranked Dinara Safina of Russia.

Murray, who currently plays in Fred Perry gear, will be wearing his new Adidas outfit at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia in early January.

The Scot faces Spanish wild card Daniel Gimeno-Traver today at an indoor event in Valencia, Spain. It will be his first match on the ATP World Tour since he lost in the fourth round of the U.S. Open to Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Refusing to blame his wrist injury, Murray called that defeat one of the most disappointing of his career. He had started the year’s final Grand Slam as one of the title favorites after winning five events this season.

Murray is also scheduled to play the Paris Masters the week after Valencia. His season will end with the ATP World Tour Finals in London from Nov. 22 through 29.

To contact the reporter on this story: Danielle Rossingh at the London sports desk at drossingh@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 3, 2009 12:50 EST