Murray defends Artois withdrawal

Updated 07.23 Tue Jun 17 2008

Andy Murray insists he was right to pull out of the Artois Championships - to be fit for Wimbledon.

Murray suffered a thumb injury during his third-round victory over Latvia's Ernests Gulbis and decided not to risk doing further damage at Queen's Club.

"I am just hoping that I get a good week's preparation in and see what happens" - Andy Murray

The British number one missed Wimbledon last year with a serious wrist injury but is confident of making this year's competition.

Murray said: "The thumb is fine. I was right not to play on and I will be okay for Wimbledon. I am just hoping that I get a good week's preparation and see what happens."

The retirement of both Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski has left Murray as the British darling among the nation's tennis lovers.

They are desperate to see a home triumph at Wimbledon but Murray insists he will be able to cope with the pressure once the tournament gets under way.

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