Reuters

Sick Murray out of Valencia

Updated 11.28 Sat Apr 12 2008

Keywords: Andy Murray, tennis

Andy Murray has pulled out of next week's Valencia Open after picking up a virus.

The British number one was due to kick off his clay season at the Spanish tournament.

The illness will be a blow to Murray, who is hoping to improve his world ranking after slipping to 22nd following disappointing results in Indian Wells and Miami

But the Scot will now have to wait until the Masters Series tournament in Monte Carlo for his first competition.

Murray flew out to Spain this week and will stay in the country to train before the series begins on April 21.

He is then expected to train with two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja before the major competition in May.

The illness will be a blow to Murray, who is hoping to improve his world ranking after slipping to 22nd following disappointing results in Indian Wells and Miami.