LONDON: Former world No 1 and three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray pulled out of the Davis Cup finals today, depriving the tournament of a likely heavyweight clash against Novak Djokovic.
“I have picked up a minor shoulder injury which means I won’t be able to take part in the Davis Cup,” the 36-year-old British star was quoted as saying by the ITF on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I’m gutted not to be able to be part of the squad but my focus is now on rehab and getting ready for the new season.”
The UK will face Djokovic’s Serbia in the quarterfinals in Malaga in the November 21-28 final phase of the Davis Cup.
The rest of the last eight features defending champions Canada against Finland, the Czech Republic against Australia, and Italy facing the Netherlands.
Murray led the UK to the Davis Cup title in 2015 while current world No 1 and record 24-time Grand Slam title winner Djokovic starred in Serbia’s 2010 victory.