Back problem could rule Murray out of Doha final
Saturday, 10 Jan 2009 12:16
Murray's back problem could rule him out of the final in Qatar
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.