Andy Murray has been forced to become the second member of the Great Britain Davis Cup team to pull out through injury.
The Scottish star was originally named among the GB side for the upcoming finals set to take place in Malaga, Spain, later this month. He will now not be taking place after revealing a season-ending shoulder injury.
“I’ve picked up a minor shoulder injury which means I won’t be able to take part in the Davis Cup,” the two-time Wimbledon champion said. “I’m gutted not to be part of the squad but my focus is now on rehab and getting ready for the new season.”
The news is the latest blow to Murray in what has been a miserable season. He has lost five out of the last six matches, with his latest clash seeing him lose to Alex de Minaur at the Paris Masters.
Murray held a 5-2 third set lead over the Australian with a match point but was still unable to secure victory. He has also split with coach Ivan Lendl.
The 36-year-old will now be forced to focus on his comeback next year. He is scheduled to play at the Brisbane International in early January ahead of an appearance at the Australian Open.
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He has been replaced by Liam Broady. Murray’s injury is the second major blow dealt to Great Britain as they aim to win the Davis Cup for the first time since 2015 in Belgium.
Dan Evans has also been forced to withdraw after picking up a calf injury in his opening round match against Frances Tiafoe in Vienna. "Unfortunately, as a result of the injury sustained in Vienna, I will not be fit to compete at the Davis Cup finals in a couple of weeks," Evans wrote on Instagram.
“I am extremely disappointed but wish the rest of the GB team all the very best in Malaga. I will be working hard with my support team to get back to full fitness as soon as possible."
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Without their two stars, Great Britain’s task of lifting the Davis Cup now looks even more difficult. Cameron Norrie is set to lead the team in Spain but he too has been in tricky form heading into the tournament.
He has fallen to defeat in eight of his last ten matches. After his defeat in Vienna last month, Norrie opted to pull out of the Paris Masters in order to be fresh for the Davis Cup.
Great Britain have not won the tournament since overcoming Belgium in Genk eight years ago - their 10th title. They kick off their latest appearance against Novak Djokovic ’s Serbia. That match-up is set to take place on Thursday November 23, with the victors due to take on either Italy or the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
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