Murray recharges batteries with Olympic challenge looming

ANDY MURRAY has withdrawn from next week's Indianapolis Tennis Championships to better prepare for the Olympics and the US Open.

"Andy wants to take some rest and recharge his batteries before a very gruelling period including the Beijing Olympics," a spokesman said yesterday. The 21-year-old Scot has returned to the world's top ten after reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon where he lost to eventual champion Rafael Nadal of Spain.

Murray is still scheduled to play in the Toronto Masters which starts on July 21 but commented: "I'm playing less tournaments after Wimbledon because I have to make sure I have enough rest days and am not burnt out by the time I get to the US Open. It's a tough stretch."

He added that playing in next month's Beijing Games was one of his main priorities this season. "It's not just about the tennis, it's about being in such a great competition. Very few athletes get the chance to do it these days. If you're lucky you might get the chance... once in your career. To do it at 21 is great and I want to do well. It is an honour to represent your country and I am looking forward to it."