Murray pulls out of Marseille to recover

TENNIS: Andy Murray has withdrawn from next week’s ATP World Tour event in Marseille.

The British No1, who chose not to defend his title in Rotterdam this week, wants more time to recover from his epic run to the Australian Open final last month.

A statement on Murray’s website, www.andymurray.com, said: “After playing in Australia for five weeks, Andy has taken an extra week off to recuperate and recover for the long season ahead.”

Murray, who was beaten in straight sets by Roger Federer in his second Grand Slam final, will return to action at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, beginning on 22 February.

The World No3’s withdrawal is another blow for the Marseille tournament after Juan Martin Del Potro also pulled out with the wrist injury that has sidelined him for a month.