Andy Murray withdraws before Novak Djokovic last-16 match at Madrid Open due to illness

Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Madrid Open ahead of his last-16 match against Novak Djokovic on Thursday due to illness. The three-time Grand Slam winner was set for his first meeting against the world No. 1 since 2017, but tournament organisers have confirmed it will not go ahead.

Ad/> «Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness,» read a statement on the Madrid Open Twitter account. ATP MadridNadal's frantic sprint to watch Real beat City after his own victory — Madrid Open Diary2 HOURS AGO «We wish you a speedy recovery Andy Murray!» /> Murray has a 8-1 record in first-round matches in 2022, and in Madrid this week he has produced back-to-back wins for the first time since he reached the final of the Sydney International in January. Murray said ahead of the Djokovic match: «In theory I should have no chance in the match.

He's obviously No. 1 in the world [and] I'm playing with a metal hip, so I shouldn't have a chance in the match.» World No. 1 Djokovic leads the head-to-head record 25-11 and had won five of their previous six meetings on clay.

The Serb beat Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 in the Round of 16 in his 18th straight victory against the Frenchman. Nadal's frantic sprint to watch Real beat City after his own victory — Madrid Open diary 'He only wanted one coach' — Vajda opens up on split with Djokovic Djokovic and Murray share an on-court rivalry which began 16 years ago in Madrid. Djokovic has credited the way Murray has been able to prolong his career after requiring multiple hip surgeries.