Murray found Davis Cup withdrawal 'emotionally challenging'

Great Britain's Davis Cup team against Uzbekistan will not feature Andy Murray.

Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray

Andy Murray says that the decision to pull out of Great Britain's Davis Cup playoff against Uzbekistan next week was "emotionally quite challenging".

Murray played in his first grand slam since last year's Wimbledon at the US Open following a prolonged rehabilitation from hip surgery.

The former world number one reached the second round before losing in four sets to Fernando Verdasco in a display that offered plenty to encourage.

READ: Ramkumar Ramanathan beaten in first round

But, the three-time grand slam champion will sit out the Davis Cup tie in Glasgow to focus on his continued recovery, meaning Murray may have played in Scotland for the final time, with the competition's format set to change from next year.

I just wanted to write a quick message to apologise to the British davis cup team and all the fans who are coming to watch in Glasgow and support on tv. I have genuinely loved competing in this Davis cup format over the course of my career and have had some of the most memorable and special moments (the lob) of my career competing for my country. With this possibly being my last chance to compete in Scotland as a professional I really wanted to be there with team and found this decision emotionally quite challenging. I had spoken to our captain, Leon, about possibly coming to just play doubles but having been recommended to take a couple of weeks off hitting to continue my reconditioning I didn't want to just show up not ready to perform to a high enough standard and ultimately let my teammates/country down. If I don't get the chance to compete in Scotland again I just want to say thank you so much to all the fans who have come along to watch and support the team over the years. You have created some incredible atmospheres for me and the team to play in and I will always remember that. Having been born in Glasgow and growing up in Scotland I would never have imagined I would see such passionate fans packing out stadiums for tennis matches. Playing with my Big Bro in those stadiums has been very very special. Thank you so much again.. I'll miss you by yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes #tennis

A post shared by Andy Murray (@andymurray) on Sep 3, 2018 at 8:18pm PDT

 

Murray's brother Jamie and his fellow experienced doubles player Dominic Inglot are joined in the team by Cameron Norrie, Jay Clarke and Dan Evans.