Tennis: Andy Murray Withdraws From Monte Carlo

Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Monte Carlo Masters after injuring his back playing in the doubles tournament last night.

Murray, the world No10, was supposed to face Marc Gicquel in the second round of the single's tournament today, but has failed to recover from back spasms suffered while playing with his older brother Jamie against Poles Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski. "I hit a shot and my back went into spasm," Murray revealed. "It got worse and worse after every game."

The news means that British interest in the Monte Carlo has ended, as yesterday Tim Henman was defeated 7-5, 6-2 by 16th seed Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Meanwhile Murray has spoken of his satisfaction of finally reaching the world's top 10. "It's good, it's been a goal of mine for pretty much the last five years and that's something I've been working towards, is getting there," he said. "I've had a very good start to the year."