Andy Murray, the champion in 2009 and 2013, was ready to make his latest comeback at the Miami Open following more injury problems last year and a bout of coronavirus that ruled him out of the Australian Open, but a groin problem has prompted his withdrawal
Tuesday 23 March 2021 17:17, UK
Andy Murray has been dealt another injury blow with a "freak" groin problem prompting him to withdraw from the Miami Open.
The former world No 1 was set to play South African Lloyd Harris in the first round of the Masters 1000 tournament, which begins on Wednesday.
Murray is hoping the injury will not keep him off court for long and revealed he developed pain in his groin while sleeping on Friday night.
The 33-year-old told the Miami Herald: "I had no issues while training, felt fine, did some gym work Friday, no problem, and then I woke up about 3am, felt pain in the groin - not on the side I had my surgery - and when I got out of bed, I struggled quite a bit to walk."
Murray continued: "I have no idea what I did. It's one of those freak things. Each day it has gotten progressively better, but it's not enough. I have not practised since Friday.
"I am really gutted. This is a place I have done so much training over the years. It's like my second home. Last time I played here was 2016 and so much has happened.
"Last year, the day before I was supposed to travel here, Covid stopped the tennis tour. Miami's been a place that has given me a lot, but this just wasn't meant to be."
Murray, who recently celebrated the birth of his fourth child, reached a final at second-tier Challenger level in his first tournament back before falling in the first round of the ATP event in Montpellier and the second round in Rotterdam.
The first Masters 1000 tournament of 2021, traditionally one of the biggest events outside the Grand Slams, begins this week in Florida, but it has been hit hard by withdrawals.
Novak Djokovic has joined Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in skipping the tournament and only half of the top 10 are taking part.
Serena Williams also said she would not compete as the 23-time Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery.
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