Murray's virus has Lloyd sweating over Davis tie

Paul Newman
Friday 27 February 2009 01:00 GMT
Comments
(AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

John Lloyd, Britain's Davis Cup captain, was bracing himself last night for an anxious few days after Andy Murray cast doubt on his availability for next week's tie against Ukraine in Glasgow by withdrawing from the Dubai Championships. The British No 1, who pulled out before he was due to play Richard Gasquet here in the quarter-finals, has a virus that has been troubling him ever since last month's Australian Open.

Murray has also been struggling with an ankle injury he sustained in Rotterdam a fortnight ago, but the virus is now his main concern. He has been suffering with a sore throat, aching limbs and temperature ever since beating Marcel Granollers in Melbourne five weeks ago.

Nevertheless Murray has won in Rotterdam and looked in good shape against Arnaud Clement on Wednesday. "I got some anti-virals from the doctor yesterday evening, but it didn't help so much," he said. "I had some breakfast and then slept for three hours. When I woke up I wasn't feeling good."

As for the tie at the Braehead Arena, which begins next Friday, Murray said: "I obviously want to try and play. I'll see how I feel and I'll give it my best shot to get ready. The doctor says I need a week or 10 days to start feeling better again."

Although Lloyd admitted that Murray's illness was "not good news", he added: "I think he really wants to play in this one." Lloyd has named Murray and Ross Hutchins, a doubles specialist, and has been overseeing a six-man play-off in Roehampton which finishes today and will decide the other two places. Josh Goodall and Chris Eaton, who have won their first two matches in Roehampton, meet today.

In Dubai Gasquet will now play David Ferrer in today's semi-finals, while Novak Djokovic faces Gilles Simon.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in