Andy Murray will not prove his fitness for the French Open by playing singles in Lyon or Geneva next week. And organisers of the Swiss event claimed the Scot turned down a wildcard because he was “injured” in Rome.
The double Wimbledon champion played two doubles matches in the Italian capital last week. And Murray, who turns 35 today (sat), had planned to play a first singles event since March to demonstrate he deserves a wildcard for Roland Garros.
But Lyon gave their final wildcard to Stefanos Tsitsipas yesterday while Geneva, where Roger Federer will return to action this week, said Murray had turned down an invite at the last minute because of fitness concerns.
They gave their last wildcard to world No 518 Arthur Cazaux, a teenage Frenchman.
Murray has already entered qualifying for the French Open which starts on May 30. The Scot was handed a wildcard last year but was thrashed in the first round by Stan Wawrinka.
And tournament organisers in Paris were keen for the 2016 finalist to get some match action on the clay to avoid a repeat if he is given a wildcard again.
Murray has played only three ATP Tour-level events this year after missing the Australian Open with COVID-19 and then suffering a groin problem in March.
French Open tournament Guy Forget said last week: “I know that Andy entered the qualifying.
“Andy is a great player, he sure deserves a wilcard. Once again it is a discussion we have to have with him and our team. We want to see him in good shape.
“I hope he feels well. He hasn’t played any matches yet, which is obviously what any players wants to do before committing to a big tournament, especially when you are going to play the best of five sets.
“We will probably speak to him and his entourage again and then we will make a decision next week.
“Andy knows he is not going to pretend to play tournaments if he does not feel he cannot compete with the best guys.
“He just loves the game and wants to go out to perform and win matches, so I believe if he asks for one (a wildcard), it is because he believes he can perform and win a few matches.”
