Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Miami Open due to a groin injury as his season is delayed further.
The three-time grand slam champion’s 2021 season has been a frustrating one to say the least.
COVID-19 meant that he couldn’t compete in Australia, then him and his wife welcoming a fourth child meant that he withdrew from the tournament in Dubai and now a groin injury now means he won’t compete at the Miami Open.
Despite training a Crandon park on Thursday and Friday, Murray suffered some groin pain on Friday evening and although the pain decreased in the days after a lack of training meant he was not ready for his opening match tomorrow or Thursday.
Speaking to the Miami Herald, Murray explained the issue, “I had no issues while training, felt fine, did some gym work Friday, no problem, and then I woke up about 3 in the morning, 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 told the Miami-based website.
“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 practiced 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.
“In 2017 I had an elbow issues, last few years various issues with my hip. 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Murray is the latest big star to have withdrawn from the tournament following Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Serena Williams’ withdrawal.
The Brit was supposed to play recent Dubai finalist Lloyd Harris, who will now play a lucky loser, as he will now look to turn his attention to either the clay-court season or playing Wimbledon.
As the saying goes, the show must go on as the Miami Open will look to produce high-quality tennis with Men’s draw beginning tomorrow.
