Marseille boss cools Murray row

Scot's withdrawal frustrates tournament director

Last updated: 15th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Marseille boss cools Murray row

Murray: pulled out of French event

It's not the fault of the ATP or even Andy. It's just life.

Jean-Francois Caujolle
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Marseille Open tournament director Jean-Francois Caujolle has denied calling for Andy Murray to be suspended from the ATP Tour for pulling out of his event this week.

Murray was due to be top seed in Marseille but has withdrawn to have some extra recovery time following his exertions at the Australian Open, where he lost in the final to world number one Roger Federer.

Caujolle was quoted in the Daily Express as saying: "Murray did the same thing to me last year. He can't know what it is to keep his word.

"The number one seed of a tournament should have a sense of responsibility. If he does not respect his commitments, he should be suspended by the ATP."

However, Caujolle later told Sky Sports News: "I never said that he should be suspended, but it's true I was really disappointed because he was my top player.

"There is a responsibility for the credibility of all the game when it's a top player. Sometimes you have to force yourself and be responsible.

"I understand he's quite young and it's not a huge tournament but it's quite disappointing and we had the same last year.

"Last year he played in Rotterdam and was a bit injured and I understand that. He sent me an email saying next year I will play.

"I understand everything but the fact is it's going to affect the tournament.

Difficulties

"One week before, to phone and say I am not coming would have been good. In that case I could have found another player, not as good as Andy, but made an offer to Marin Cilic or someone, but it was too late.

"A few minutes later Juan Martin Del Potro pulled out with a real injury so I lost my top two players.

"I think the top seed and marquee player...they have to not pull out because all the promotion is framed around them.

"There should be something but the ATP is working on that, it's not the fault of the ATP or even Andy. It's just life."