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SCMP Sport

Andy Murray has withdrawn from his blockbuster clash with Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open due to a bout of food poisoning.
Murray and Djokovic were booked to go head-to-head for the first time in five years, but fans were robbed of the eagerly anticipated showdown because of illness.
Ranked 78th in the world, the 34-year-old Scot had been in top form on the clay courts, defeating Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov as he worked his way back to fitness following hip surgery in 2018 and 2019.
“Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness,” tournament organisers said in a statement on social media. “Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day’s play on centre court.”

Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness 😔

We wish you a speedy recovery, @andy_murray! 😘

🏟️ Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day's play on centre court. pic.twitter.com/0QdLyh7qhl
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 5, 2022

Murray had arrived in Madrid with a 10-8 record in eight tournaments. But Djokovic now advances to the quarter-finals – his second of the year – after losing in the final at the Serbia Open last month.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal defeated David Goffin and set up an all-Spanish quarter-final with a tantalising clash against 19-year-old prodigy Carlos Alcaraz.
Ranked No 7, Alcaraz became the youngest top-10-ranked male tennis player since Nadal himself 17 years ago, after the teenager won the Barcelona Open in April. Should he beat Nadal, he will rise to No 6.
“I lost twice against him and I wanted to play against him the third time,” Alcaraz said of the marquee match-up.
“I think it’s going to be different from last year [in Madrid] and the last match that we played [in Indian Wells]. I’m excited to play against Rafa here in Madrid in front of the Spanish crowd. It’s going to be a great day and a great match.”


Rafael Nadal’s coach guiding Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong through minefield of men’s tennis

Andrey Rublev set for Hong Kong return after ‘roller coaster’ year, but wary of top-seed tag

Chinese Olympic champ Zheng Qinwen to tackle Australian Open without 2024 coach Pere Riba

Hong Kong Open champion Andrey Rublev praises local support as he returns to defend title

ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals)

Madrid Open: Andy Murray pulls out of clash with Novak Djokovic due to food poisoning

Andy Murray was in top form heading into his first match against Novak Djokovic in five years. Photo: AFP

Novak Djokovic slams ‘crazy’ Wimbledon ban on Russian, Belarusian players

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic serves the ball during a men’s singles match against Laslo Djere at Serbia Tennis Open ATP 250 series. Photo: Xinhua

Andy Murray says ‘no right answer’ on Wimbledon ban of Russian and Belarusian players, after Nadal calls it unfair

Rafael Nadal has called the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon unfair. Photo: USA Today Sport

Andy Murray (right) speaking at the Madrid Open. Photo: EPA-EFE

Novak Djokovic barred from US, cannot play in Indian Wells, or Miami, over refusal to get Covid-19 jab

Novak Djokovic will miss events in Indian Wells and Miami after being denied entry into the US. Photo: Getty Images

UK jails tennis legend Boris Becker for hiding assets after bankruptcy

Former tennis player Boris Becker and his girlfriend Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro arrive at a court in London on Friday. Photo: AFP

Boris Becker’s girlfriend Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro leaves the courthouse in London. Photo: AP

Boris Becker was convicted earlier this month on four charges under Britain’s Insolvency Act. Photo: AP

Sport

Tennis


Murray had defeated Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov as he set up first clash with world No 1 Djokovic in five years
But the 34-year-old withdraws just over an hour before their round-of-16 match, citing illness



The Scot and world No 1 Djokovic were set for their first meeting in five years, but Murray withdraws just over an hour before their match at the Madrid Open.


Madrid Open: Andy Murray pulls out of clash with Novak Djokovic due to food poisoning

Murray had defeated Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov as he set up first clash with world No 1 Djokovic in five years But the 34-year-old withdraws just over an hour before their round-of-16 match, citing illness

Murray had defeated Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov as he set up first clash with world No 1 Djokovic in five years

But the 34-year-old withdraws just over an hour before their round-of-16 match, citing illness