Breaking: Novak Djokovic Gets a Walkover to Quarter Final of Madrid Open, After Andy Murray Pulls Out

The world number 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic was all set to play against Andy Murray in the Madrid Open today. Although in a shocking turn of events, Murray has pulled out of the game. Giving a walkover for the quarterfinal to the Serb. The 34-year-old Came to Spain after reaching the finals of his home Open in Serbia the week before and received a first-round bye for the Spanish tournament.

He beat France’s Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 to progress into the last 16. Murray, meanwhile, received a wildcard for the event and defeated Dominic Thiem in the first round 6-3 6-4 before getting better off Denis Shapovalov 6-1 3-6 6-2.

Murray Misses Out Because of Illness

 An hour before it was due to start, the Madrid event announced on social media that Murray won’t play the match because of an illness. Although, they did not disclose what type of illness but Djokovic moves on to the quarterfinals with a walkover. Murray, who had a fine run on clay in Madrid, would have faced Djokovic for the first time on tour since their Dubai final in 2017.

Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness 😔

We wish you a speedy recovery, @andy_murray! 😘

🏟️ Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day’s play on centre court. pic.twitter.com/0QdLyh7qhl

— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 5, 2022

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray Head to Head

Murray and Djokovic’s fixture would have been the 37th time the pair have come head-to-head in all tournaments. The three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray underwent hip surgery after the Australian Open over three years ago.  The Scot made his return to the court a few months later but has struggled with form ever since.

Also Read: 5-Year-Old Novak Djokovic Enjoys an Ice Cream as a Reward After Tennis Practice

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has been absolutely fantastic since their last encounter but had been surrounded by controversy, due to his recent stand on COVID-19 vaccination. the Serb missed all the tournaments where vaccination was compulsory to take part.

Talking about head-to-head records. Out of the 36 times, the pair have faced each other, Djokovic has won on 25 occasions. The Serb also leads 5-1 on clay surfaces. However, Djokovic has beaten Murray on the past two occasions in Madrid. In their last meeting, Djokovic got the better of Murray in a three-set match.

Watch this Story: Novak Djokovic Shares Wisdom on Health Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic

Although on paper it looked easy for Djokovic. Given the previous record in Madrid open, the fans were hoping for a thrilling game. However, the outcome is a big shocker for fans.