Sat, May 05, 2012
MADRID, May 4 (Xinhua) -- World No. 4 tennis player Andy Murray pulled out of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament with a back injury on Friday.
Murray was due to compete in the event, which starts this weekend, alongside top players such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, but has issued a statement explaining his absence.
"It is with regret that on doctor's advice I have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open with injury. I always love coming to Madrid so it is a big disappointment. I look forward to returning next year and wish everyone a great week of tennis," said Murray.
The Scot will now focus on getting fit so he can play in the Rome Masters, which begins on May 14th in order to hone his clay- court form ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 27th.
This year's Mutua Madrid open will be played on a beaten clay surface which will be colored blue for the event, an idea which earlier in the day attracted the disapproval of Spanish favorite and Nadal.
"The Madrid tournament is one of the best in the world for many reasons and I don't think we need the extra factor of the blue court, as the city is already at altitude. The ATP should never have allowed a tournament as important as this to be played on this surface," said Nadal.
