Andy Murray pulls out of Dubai Championships

Andy Murray - set to return at Indian Wells Masters Photo: Marianne Bevis

World No5 Andy Murray has been forced to withdraw from next week’s Dubai Championships with a wrist injury.

The British No1 had suggested he would take a break following his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open in January, but instead opted to play in Rotterdam a week later, where he was beaten in the first round by Marcos Baghdatis.

“Andy has withdrawn from the forthcoming ATP World Tour 500 event in Dubai due to a wrist injury. Andy would like to apologise to both the tournament and its fans,” read a statement on Murray’s website.

The 23-year-old Scot, who struggled to overcome a hangover from last year’s defeat to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final, is not scheduled to play again until the Indian Wells Masters on 10 March.

Meanwhile, Murray is on the hunt for another big-name sponsor after ending his deal with Scottish mineral water firm Highland Spring last month.

The Scot had been sponsored by the water brand since 2006 in a deal believed to be worth £1m-a-year deal and his representatives are now understood to be in talks with a number of firms about endorsing him.