Back problem could rule Murray out of Doha final

Murray's back problem could rule him out of the final in Qatar
Murray's back problem could rule him out of the final in Qatar
 

Also In The News

Benitez in rant against Fergie

Rafael Benitez has launched an astonishing attack on rival manager Sir Alex Ferguson over his complaints about a range of issues, from refereeing to fixture lists.

Liverpool's Rafael Benitez launches attack on Sir Alex Ferguson
 

Saturday, 10, Jan 2009 12:16

Andy Murray says he will only play in the final of the Qatar Open if his back problem heals overnight.

The Scot qualified for the final after beating world number two Roger Federer for the second successive week in Friday's semi-final.

However, he did have to call for the trainer in the third set of that match and had complained about it becoming stiff last week during the World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi.

The British number one remains hopeful that he will be able to defend the title he won last year against Andy Roddick, but with the Australian Open so close Murray says he will not take any unnecessary risks.

"If my back is going to be like this I won't play on Saturday," said Murray.

"It was getting stiff as the match progressed. My back has been giving me some problems ever since Abu Dhabi. I don't know whether it has something to do with the nature of the court, rather than the weather."

Murray admitted the pace of the Roddick serve could trouble him in the final but said he would concentrate on maximising his own assets.

He said: "It will be very difficult against Andy in the final. He serves big and I will have to return well. But I played well against him the last few times we met."

The Scot has a good record against the American – winning five of their eight previous meetings.


Grand National runners that meet the requirements in 2011

There are going to be forty Grand National Runners this Saturday all lining up at Aintree and picking the Grand National winner is always a difficult thing to do.

Gold Cup 2011 odds point to Imperial Commander as the winner

The latest Gold Cup Odds are not only important because they represent how much you can win on the race.

Cheltenham Gold Cup runners and best bets

Fourteen runners have been declared for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 and the question on many people's lips will be.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 runners and odds

The Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners have now been confirmed. As long as there are no late withdrawals there will be 14 Cheltenham Gold Cup runners.

Cheltenham Festival stats and tips should mean more winnings and winners

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway next week and one of the most popular methods of picking Cheltenham Festival winners is not only to follow tips, but also to take notice of important Cheltenham Festival Stats.

Cheltenham Races odds and tips suggest proven Cheltenham form is key

At long last The Cheltenham Festival 2011 is here and whether punters are going to the course or watching it on TV, everyone will be looking for winning tips for Cheltenham.

Cheltenham races odds and tips can help you find 50/1 winner at the festival

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway on Tuesday. The highlight of Cheltenham Races on the opening day will be the Champion Hurdle and three days of brilliant racing will follow Tuesday's action.



We're mobile!

Get news, sport and entertainment on your mobile. Text inthenews to 84010 or go to http://m.inthenews.co.uk. There is no charge for this service but the SMS will be charged at your standard operator rate.