Andy Murray pulls out of Cincinnati Masters with hip injury but eyes US Open return

Joe Miles

Published: 23:07, 9 Aug 2017
Updated: 2:23, 10 Aug 2017

ANDY MURRAY has pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters due to his ongoing hip injury.

But the world No 1 - who could lose top spot in the rankings after his withdrawal - still hopes to play in the US Open.

The Scot will miss the Masters because of the same injury that hampered his Wimbledon campaignCredit: Rex Features

Second seed Rafael Nadal will steal the top spot if he reaches the semi-finalsCredit: Getty - Contributor

Murray said: "Unfortunately I won't be playing in Cincinnati as I continue my recovery.

"I always enjoy playing there and I look forward to returning next year. I'm continuing to work hard on the court with the aim of being in New York."

Murray's decision has hampered his hopes of winning a second US Open title as he has yet to play in any hard court tournaments in the lead up to the final major of the year.

He has been out of action since losing in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in July.

The 30-year-old Brit hero has held the top spot in the rankings since November of last year, but that may not last much longer.

Murray's absence at the Rogers Cup in Montreal this week means Rafael Nadal could take the top spot should the Spaniard advance to the semi-finals in Canada.

Fellow Brit Tin Henman warns that Murray that if he competes in the US Open then he will be jeopardising his careerCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Serbian Novak Djokovic is out for the remainder of the season due to injuryCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Former world No 4 Tim Henman recently told SunSport that Murray should skip the US Open or his entire career could be at risk.

Murray is not the only player feelings the effects of a strenuous season, with Novak Djokovic also facing a spell on the sidelines.

The Serbian is out for the rest of the season with an elbow injury.

Swiss star Stanislas Wawrinka will also not feature in Cincinnati due to a knee injury.

Former World No.3 Wawrinka is also missing the Cincinatti MastersCredit: AP:Associated Press

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