Miami Open: Andy Murray pulls out with injured elbow

World No. 1 Andy Murray has been forced out of the Miami Open, which he has won twice before, due to an injured right elbow.

"Sadly, due to a right elbow injury, I won't be playing in Miami. Apologies to the fans; it's one of my favourite tournaments. The focus is now on getting ready for the clay season," Murray said in a statement, which even took his own team by surprise, reports the Guardian.

Murray, who knocked rival Novak Djokovic from the top of the rankings, will be slightly relived that the Serbian has returned to his home in Monaco ahead of the Florida tournament, which begins on Monday, as the possibilities of his returning in time to compete in Miami is remote.

The pair will now prepare for the Monte Carlo tournament next month, which begins the European clay-court run-up to the French Open.

What's important to note is the news that the two highest ranked players in the game are suffering poor form and struggling with their fitness will encourage the swarm of young contenders coming through, besides the old-stagers like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Taylor Fritz, the rising American star will replace Murray in the Miami draw.