NEW DELHI: Former world number one Andy Murray has decided to withdraw from the upcoming clay-court Grand Slam French Open.
The 36-year-old tennis star, who reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2017, has only made one appearance at the tournament since then.
Last month, Murray expressed his desire to have another opportunity to play at the Grand Slam while he is in good physical condition.
Despite winning the Aix-en-Provence Challenger Tour title earlier this month, the three-time Grand Slam champion experienced early exits in recent tournaments including Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Bordeaux.
Murray's decision to withdraw from the French Open marks a setback in his ongoing journey to regain top form.
The Scot has opted to skip tournaments during the clay-court season in the past to focus on the grasscourt swing heading into Wimbledon.
In February, he said Wimbledon offered him the best chance of going deep at a Grand Slam.
The French Open runs from May 28 to June 11. Holder Rafael Nadal, who has won the French Open a record 14 times, also pulled out of the tournament after failing to regain full fitness from a hip injury.
Australian Nick Kyrgios and Matteo Berrettini of Italy will also miss the tournament.
(With Reuters inputs)
