Andy Murray to have back surgery, end 2013 season

LONDON, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Andy Murray will miss the rest of the 2013 tennis season because of what is described as minor back surgery.

Murray, ranked third in the world, said in a release that he would undergo a procedure next week "in an effort to clear up a long-standing back problems."

The statement said Murray's goal is to be "fully fit" for the new tennis season.

Murray withdrew from the Rome Masters in May because of the back injury. He did win the Queen's Club and Wimbledon but has played in just three tournaments and the Davis Cup since Wimbledon.

Murray is one of three players -- joining Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic -- to have qualified for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals. Eight players are invited and Murray's decision to end his season will open a spot for the player with the ninth-most rankings points this year.