Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 17 April 2007 /

Andy Murray has confirmed his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters after picking up a back injury on Monday but is keeping his fingers crossed for a swift return.

The 19-year-old - who on the same day made the world's top 10 rankings - suffered the injury playing in a doubles match alongside his elder brother Jamie at the same tournament.

On top of his game, a fully fit Murray would have fancied giving either Roger Federer (2.84) or clay court specialist Rafael Nadal, the 2.24 favourite, a run for their money in the latter stages, but he is now trying to stay positive and focused on regaining his fitness.

"It's better than it was on Monday, but I still find it hard to walk - it's a little bit frustrating," said Murray.

"The pain was getting worse and worse by the end of the tie-break. I could barely stand up," he added. "I hit a shot and my back went into spasms and got worse and worse after every game.

"This is an important time of the year for me because I didn't play so well on the clay last year and I wanted to start off well this year.

"I've been playing way better in practice than I was on the clay last year, so I'm a little bit disappointed.

"I'm going to go back home today and have a scan. I'll know exactly what the problem is and how bad the inflammation is and how long it's going to take to go away."

Murray is hoping that he gets some positive news following the tests as he has one eye on a return for the upcoming ATP Tour events in Spain and Germany.

He knows he has plenty of time to get himself fully right for the season's next Grand Slam event - the French Open at Roland Garros in late May. He was last matched on Betfair's outright winner market for that tournament at 85 with Nadal (2.54) narrowly shorter than Roger Federer (2.58) at the head of the betting.

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>