Andy-Murray-sports-tiger

Picture Credit: Twitter

Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Round-16 clash against Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open due to illness on Thursday. The information was notified via Madrid Open's official Twitter handle as Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals with a walkover victory. The world number will now face the winner of Poland's Hubert Hurkacz vs Dusan Lajovic game.

Murray had earlier claimed he would skip the claycourt season to protect his fitness but accepted a late wildcard in Madrid and beat Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov in his opening two matches.

"He had food poisoning; it sounds like he is feeling better this morning but is still not well enough to go on the court," said Lopez.

Murray had earlier expressed his excitement over his match with Djokovic as he earlier said, "Djokovic is world number 1. But I have got a mental hip. "I didn't know I'd get opportunities to play matches like this again. In theory, I shouldn't have a chance in the match. But I've worked my hardest, put myself in a great position, and it's a fantastic opportunity to play against him again on a great court in a huge tournament."