On a day where speculation mounted about Andy Murray’s future participation in Citi Open, the former world No.1 has withdrawn from the upcoming Rogers Cup instead.
The three-time grand slam champion has opted to skip the Masters 1000 tournament in order to aid his ‘rest and recovery.’ This week Murray is playing in only his third ATP Tournament since returning from a 11-month hiatus due to a hip injury. He is set to play Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals on Friday after battling through a trio of three-set matches against McKenzie McDonald, Kyle Edmund and Marius Copil.
“I’ve played quite a few matches this week in Washington and I need to be smart with my rest and recovery as I come back from injury.” Murray said in a statement.
“My plan is to head to Cincinnati early next week. Appreciate all the support this week in Washington, it’s amazing to be back playing.”
Murray’s third round clash with Copril in Washington was one that triggered criticism from the Brit after their match didn’t end until 3am. Making it the latest match to ever finish in the history of the tournament. Murray later admitted that he would consider withdrawing from the tournament due to fitness concerns.
“It doesn’t feel great, just now.” Murray told reporters about his Physical condition after the third round.
“I don’t know how you are expected to recover from that. By the time you’re done with all your recovery and stuff, it’s going to be 5:30, 6 o’clock in the morning. I’d obviously try and sleep as late as I can, but with the way your body clock is and stuff, you know, you might get a few hours’ sleep. It’s not good. And it’s basically like playing two matches in a day.”
Wawrinka fills in
Murray was set to play in the Rogers Cup after being granted a wild card. That position has now been awarded too Stan Wawrinka. Like Murray, the Swiss player is also on the comeback from injury. Undergoing knee surgery last year.
“Sadly, I won’t be able to take my place in the draw in Toronto. I’d like to thank the tournament for a wild card, I always love playing in Canada and look forward to returning next year.” Said Murray.
Wawrinka’s celebrations were swiftly halted when the draw for the men’s tournament took place. In the first round, he will take on Nick Kyrgios. The two met at the same tournament three years ago in what was a highly animated and controversial match. Kyrgios was hit with a fine after being heard saying insulting remarks about both Wawrinka and his partner, Donna Vekic.
The Rogers Cup will get underway on Monday.
UPDATE: Since the release of this article, Murray has also withdrawn from the Citi Open.
