Andy Murray has pulled out of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships following his run to the Qatar Open final. The 35-year-old played a series of long matches before losing to Daniil Medvedev on Saturday and has decided not to play this week in Dubai.
The tournament cited a hip injury for Murray’s withdrawal, setting alarm bells ringing given the problems he has had with the joint, but the PA news agency understands there are no major physical issues and the decision is precautionary.
A statement from the tournament read: “We regret to inform you that Andy Murray is unable to participate in this year’s tournament. “Andy has been dealing with a recurring hip injury that has unfortunately forced him out of Dubai.
We wish Andy a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the court in Dubai soon.” Murray defeated Alexander Zverev and Australian Open quarter-finalist Jiri Lehecka in Doha prior to a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Medvedev, continuing the encouraging form he showed at the Australian Open and earning him an 18-place rise in the rankings back to the verge of the top 50.