Murray withdraws from Barcelona Open

Fourth-ranked Andy Murray pulled out of the Barcelona Open on Tuesday because of an elbow injury.

The British player needed a cortisone injection for the injury before a loss to Rafael Nadal on Saturday in the semifinal of the Monte Carlo Masters, but still traveled to the Catalan capital in the hope of competing.

Murray practiced on Tuesday but looked in obvious discomfort.

''Under advice from the medical experts I have had to withdraw from the Barcelona tournament due to right elbow injury,'' Murray said. ''I'm going to take four-five days rest and begin practicing at the start of next week.''

Murray would have played 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.

Murray has had a poor run of results since losing the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic in January.

The 23-year-old had first-round exits in Rotterdam, Indian Wells and Miami before losing in three sets to Nadal in Monte Carlo.

Seventh-ranked Tomas Berdych also pulled out Tuesday with a stomach virus.