am.com says that it was a problem with his back......hope its not serious
After losing the first set on a tie break to Fyrstenberg/Matkowski, Andy and Jamie had to retire as Andy was unable to continue with what looked to be a problem with his back.
More news to follow.
-- Edited by murrays main man at 18:24, 2007-04-16
I do think that this might well go back to Indian Wells when he first played a semi against Djokovic when he shouldn't off, compounded by doing it again at Miami.
It's quite clear that ever since, he has been playing with various slight injuries. As I said before I am no medical expert but I wouldn't be surprised if he came down with some other injury, a compensatory injury through protecting some other part of his body. Perhaps sadly my fear has come true.
We all wanted him to get into the top 10 and it's great that he has now done it, ironically without during a week when he was not playing.
I felt before and still feel he was very badly advised to play these earlier matches although I suspect he had a stong influence himself.
I wasn't totally sure he should have played Davis Cup, and was very surprised to find him playing doubles in Monte Carlo with Jamie. maybe just too loyal, if it is possible, to country and brother.
I really do think he needs to get any remaining niggles cleared up. If that means withdrawing from Monte Carlo and indeed taking another couple of weeks off so be it.
He has no need to be playing 80 / 90% fit. I'd much prefer Andy took time off now to ensure his fitness for later on in the season.
Apologies, if in fact he was totally fit and this is a totally new unconnected injury but history over the last few weks leads me to think he has sometimes played when he shouldn't.
Well the latest is that he developed a back spasm in the match that got worse and worse as the set progressed.
I don't know if that is connected or unconnected with his recent groin woes.
Whatever the outcome, I agree he should not play further until he is 100% sure he is fit. He won't do himself or his future any good trying to limp through the clay season for the second year running. It didn't help at all last year and it's even less likely to do so this year.