Andy Murray pulls out of Italian Open because of ‘fatigue’ while World number one Serena Williams has pulled out because of an elbow injury.
Andy Murray has pulled out of the Italian Open in Rome, citing fatigue. The Briton was due to play David Goffin in the third round on Thursday after a run of 10 successive victories on clay.
The 27-year-old third seed, who had considered skipping the tournament to rest for the French Open, beat Jeremy Chardy 6-4 6-3 in the previous round.
“I’ve played so much over the past 14 days. I’ve played 10 matches with some extremely late finishes and my body needs to rest,” Murray told BBC Sport.
Meanwhile the 33-year-old World number one Serena Williams has too pulled out of the Italian Open because of an elbow injury and withdrew shortly before she was due to face fellow American Christina McHale in round three.
But the 19-time Grand Slam champion does not think the injury – which is affecting her serve – will be an issue at the French Open, which begins on Sunday, 24 May.
Williams was the defending champion in Rome.