Andy Murray has pulled out of the Rogers Cup as he announced a last-minute withdrawal against Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Holding a couple of impressive victories against Lorenzo Sonego and Max Purcell at the National Bank Open, 3-time Major winner Scot would have been confident ahead of his R16 encounter against 8th Seed Italian on Thursday. However, the 36-year pulled out of the tournament because of an abdominal strain.
Murray arrive on court at the Sobey’s Stadium in Toronto and informed the crowd himself about the injury setback.
“There is an issue with my abdominal so unfortunately I am not going to be able to play this evening. I’m really sorry. I know I feel like I have let you down,” the Brit told spectators.
“I’ve rarely been in this situation in my career and I feel terrible.”
A follow-up statement from Toronto Masters organizers added a bit more context with the 36-year old admitting that it was not the first incident of him fighting with abdominal issues in recent years.
“I had a very similar issue last year in the tournament in Stuttgart before Wimbledon which forced me to miss the Queen’s Club tournament and I was able to play Wimbledon,” the former world No 1 said. “It took me about 10 to 12 days before I was feeling good again.
“This is not as bad as that but obviously the danger if you compete and play on it is you make it worse.
“So, I’ll need to see how it develops over the coming days and hopefully feel better in a few days. I’m really sorry. Thank you.”
It remains to be seen whether the Scot will be able to participate in Cincinnati Open next week and US Open which begins at the end of August.
Jannik Sinner will certainly welcome the walkover to face Gael Monfils in the quarters. The Frenchman is making a return from wrist injury and is on the back of wins against an in form Eubanks (R64) Tsitsipas (R32) and Vukic (R16) in the tournament.