In a surprising turn of events, tennis star Andy Murray has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Toronto. The decision came ahead of his anticipated third-round clash with Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

A History of Strains

Murray’s withdrawal is attributed to an abdominal strain, a concern he’s familiar with. “I had a very similar issue last year in the tournament in Stuttgart which forced me to miss the Queen’s Club tournament,” Murray shared. He further added that while the current strain isn’t as severe, the risk of aggravating it during play was too high.

A Heartfelt Apology

Addressing the stadium crowd, Murray expressed his deep regret, “I feel like I’ve let you down. I’ve rarely been in this situation in my career and I feel terrible.” This sentiment was echoed in his statement where he mentioned, “So, I’ll need to see how it develops over the coming days and hopefully feel better in a few days. I’m really sorry.”

A Storied Career in Toronto

The disappointment is palpable, especially considering Murray’s history with the National Bank Open. A three-time champion at the ATP Masters 1000 in Canada, Murray was on the hunt for his first quarter-final at the event since his 2015 title run. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I don’t know, this might be my last time playing here as well. So to finish like this feels rubbish.”

What’s Next for the Tournament

With Murray’s withdrawal, Jannik Sinner automatically advances to the quarter-finals where he will face France’s Gael Monfils. The young Italian is also making strides in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin, moving ahead of Andrey Rublev.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, Murray remains optimistic about his recovery, especially with the US Open on the horizon. Fans and supporters worldwide are hopeful to see the tennis legend back in action soon.