Sore wrist keeps Murray out of Japan Open

TOKYO, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Andy Murray, citing a wrist injury, withdrew Thursday from next week's Japan Open in Tokyo.

An announcement on Murray's Web site said the world No. 3-ranked player "decided to take some more recovery time" on the basis of medical advice.

Murray has been bothered by the left wrist injury -- he plays right-handed but uses a two-hand backhand -- since the U.S. Open. He did play two Davis Cup playoff matches last month but that has been his only competition since the Open.

The Web site statement said: "His injury is improving on a daily basis and Andy is very close to resuming full-training. The wrist will be assessed again this weekend."

Murray's withdrawal was the second high-profile loss for the Japan Open, which begins Monday. Last week, world No. 1 Roger Federer pulled out because of fatigue.

Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Federer for the U.S. Open championship, is the highest ranked player in the Japan Open draw. He is ranked No. 5.