Andy Murray dramatically pulls OUT of Madrid Open just minutes before Novak Djokovic clash with illness

ANDY MURRAY has withdrawn from the Madrid Open just moments before his scheduled match with Novak Djokovic.

Illness meant the two-time Wimbledon champion withdrew from the third round clash.

The announcement came just over an hour before Murray had been set to take to the court.

A statement from the Madrid Open's Twitter feed said: "Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness.

"We wish you a speedy recovery, @andy_murray!"

As a result of Murray's withdrawal world No1 Djokovic has been handed a bye into the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The old foes had been scheduled to open the day's play on centre court in Madrid for a place in the last-eight of the tournament.

But Murray's unknown illness means Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will face off on centre court instead.

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